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 killed 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 German Armed Forces in August 1939 all personnel were issued an identification 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. 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 offices for processing. The SS basically followed the same system as the army and new recruits were issued their dog tags when he was assigned to his training unit. The origins of the 3^RD SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf" can be traced back to the formation of the SS-Wachverbände, (SS-Guard Units) in March 1933 which was re-designated, SS-Totenkopfverbände, (SS-Death’s Head Units), on March 29^TH 1936. In October 1939 personnel from the SS-Totenkopfverbände were recruited to compose the cadre of the newly forming SS-Totenkopf-Division. On November 9^TH 1942 the SS-Totenkopf-Division was upgraded and re-designated, SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Division "Totenkopf" and on October 22^ND 1943 it received it’s final designation as 3^RD SS-Panzer-Division "Totenkopf". 

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Roughly, 2 3/4" long, 2" wide, horizontally oval, stamped, zinc alloy construction identification tag. The tag has three roughly, 5/8" long, slits running down the center lengthwise, to facilitate breaking it in half if necessary. The tag has two holes to the top section and one to the bottom section for the securing neck cord. The cord is absent. The obverse of the tag has identical stamped markings to both halves of the central slits with the unit designation, with SS runes, "3. SS-Pz. Div. Totenkopf", the individual’s personal roster number, "58" and the recipients blood group, "B". The tag shows moderate age and usage toning and some light to moderate surface spotting and pitting.

GRADE ***1/4                             PRICE $418.00