Early Panzer Collar Totenkopf

[Aldo]

I picked up this unique looking panzer skull that reminded me of some of the larger Danziger skulls I have. The silver wash has mostly worn off revealing the metal beneath it and creating a beautiful patina. All the other panzer skulls I own have the same solid silver or zinc look to them.

It reminds me of this Danziger in color and material

[Aldo]

So it occurred to me that these early panzer skulls are similar in construction and appearance to the Danziger and Tradition badges because they are made of the same metal materials and utilize the same type of splints. The later panzer skulls are either zinc or mostly aluminum and use a different variety of attachment prongs. Here are a few more examples of the early type I found on various websites.