BACKGROUND: Evaluations of German/Prussian losses in battles during the Austro-Prussian war of 1866 and the Franco-Prussian war of 1870-1871 resulted in the discovery that many of the dead were unidentifiable which led to the introduction of the first military identification, (dog), tags into the Prussian army in 1878. The original 1878 pattern dog tags remained in usage until a second, larger pattern with more information was introduced in July 1915. In 1918 a slightly modified dog tag was introduced that remain in use until the end of WWII. On mobilization of the Wehrmacht, (Armed Forces), in August 1939 all personnel were issued an identification, (dog), tag to be worn on a cord around the neck. Following the outbreak of WWII all new recruits were issued a dog tag on their registration for military service by their original military unit. If killed or wounded, half of the dog tag would stay attached to the individual and the other half would be sent to the appropriate administrative office for processing. Of Note: Dog tags were issued by the recruit’s original military unit, generally a training unit, with a specific, assigned, personal roster number and unit designation and by regulations the original dog tag was to remain in use by the recruit, even following unit service transfers, until his final release from military service. The exception to the rule was that lost dog tags would be replaced with a new dog tag bearing a new assigned, personal roster number and unit designation determined by the unit the individual was currently serving with at the time.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 2 3/4", (6.98 cm), long, 2", (5.08 cm), tall, horizontally oval, stamped, natural aluminum construction identification tag. The tag has three, roughly, 5/8", (1.59 cm), long slits running down the center lengthwise, to facilitate breaking it in half if necessary. The tag has two, punched, holes to the top section and one to the bottom section for securing the neck suspension cord. The neck cord is absent. The tag has identical stamps on either side of the central slits which consist of the recipient’s personal roster number, "800.", his blood group, "O", and his unit designation, "1./E.B. 301", (1^ST Company 301^ST Replacement Battalion). Interestingly the tag has another personal roster number, "329", with each numeral having an "X" applied over top of them. ? The tag is in overall fair condition with light age and usage toning, some light surface scratching and a couple of small oxidized holes and a small crack.