Original WWII German Panzer Danziger Skull Collar Insignia – Single Totenkopf

Description

WWII German Panzer Danziger Skull: Overview

A single stamped metal collar skull in the Prussian “Danziger” Totenkopf pattern, the design associated with German armoured troops in the Second World War. The rounded skull, open oval eye sockets, triangular pierced nose, defined teeth and stylised crossed bones are all clearly struck, and the rear prongs are complete.

Historical Context

The skull-and-crossbones has a long history in Prussian and German military tradition. When the black Panzer wrap uniform was introduced in November 1934, its collar patches carried a metal skull based on the older Danziger pattern. It remained in use throughout the war, with many variations in maker, metal and method of production. The same general pattern was also worn on some field-grey wrap uniforms, including those of assault artillery personnel.

Panzer collar patches were piped in Waffenfarbe, the branch-of-service colour: pink for armoured troops, with other colours for specialised formations.

WWII German Panzer Danziger Skull: Description

• Type: collar skull (Totenkopf), Danziger pattern, single
• Construction: stamped alloy, hollow reverse, rear attachment prongs
• Finish: silver-toned, with dark patina in the recesses
• Maker mark: none visible, so no maker attribution is made
• Size: see the photograph with a €2 coin for scale (coin not included)
• Inventory code: INS86

Condition

Attractive collectible condition with loss and darkening of the original finish, particularly on the raised areas of the cranium, cheekbones, teeth and bones. Prongs present. No restoration has been attempted. The photographs show the actual piece and form part of the description.

Provenance

No further provenance is recorded.

Authenticity

The assessment is based on construction, strike, finish and wear. Without a maker mark, attribution rests on these features together rather than on any single one. Independent examination is available on request.

Further Reading

For the wider context of German insignia and decorations, see my Complete Collector’s Guide to WWII German Medals.

For historical background, see Deutsches Historisches Museum: “Ehrenzeichen”, on the history of German decorations.

Historical Responsibility Notice: this item is offered as a historical artefact for collecting, preservation, education and research. It does not endorse or glorify any ideology.