Panzerkampfabzeichen AD

[praxus]

Original or not. Thanks

[big ned]

Although the pic's are awful on this one, I still think it's an original and only recently discovered new AS in Triangle pattern PAB. For years they were known in collecting circles to have produced at least 3 different dies (3.3.1, 3.3.2 & 3.3.3) that each had a different grass foreground pattern.

Then a couple of years ago another new pattern cropped up that got collectors (including me!) in a quandry as it had not been seen before. But positive evidence soon started cropping up when some collectors looked closer at their AS in Triangle PAB's and a few were found to be different.

The evidence that proved the new pattern was genuine was when a small number of unfinished badges (including a prototype mine sweeper badge that never reached production) were ground dug near where the Scholze factory had been in Gablonz. This was then given the new prefix type 3.3.4. Here's an example of one of the unfinished planchets that were found. Note the same "new" grass pattern.



And here's another example of the same 3.3.4 pattern that seems to indicate that the badge got past the prototype stage and went into production (it's thought to have been in 1944). Note the identical markings on the reverse caused by the manufacturing process and the die trimming, especially around the gun barrel and turret that match the OP's example




So, a pretty rare badge as things stand, but not worth anymore than the others in the series, although in the case of the OP's badge this is compromised by the missing pin. I personally would pass on this unless it was fairly cheap, as it would be a decent gap filler for PAB's produced by this maker.

I hope this helps.

Regards, Ned.

[praxus]

Thanks for the great help. Can I buy for 80-100 USD. I think it's worth the risk ...

[big ned]

That's near enough, I wouldn't go much more.

[harryamb2]

amazing knowledge Ned.

[praxus]

[rbminis]

These photos don't help anybody.
Ralph.

[praxus]

So I bought that badge for 80 USD, here are more photos ... I think it is original or not?

[big ned]

You know what I think, let's wait and see what the other PAB guys have to say as positive/negative reactions are somewhat lacking either way.....

[MAP]

I have a question....is there any wear on the underside of the catch where a pin would rub against it?

Is it possible this was never completed? Doesn't look like there was ever a pin. And the obverse also seems to have no wear as well.

If a pin was broken, I would expect some wear.....somewhere.