Special Badge for Single- Handed Tank Destruction; Gold Grade.

This is a scarce Badge;the tank on the badge is a Panzer Mk IW and is constructed of magnetic metal with very crisp details,superimposed on golden bullion wire and fine quality interwoven embroidery edged on the top and bottom sides by two black stripes;without a wool backer,a metal magnetic plate missing one prong,measuring 76mm x 30mm, weighing 8.7 grams; in worn and uniform removed condition. The Tank Destruction Badge was awarded to individuals who single-handedly destroyed an enemy tank or "armoured combat vehicle" using a hand-held weapon. Badge was established on March 9th, 1942,but was awarded for action s dating back to the start of Operation Barbarossa(June 22nd, 1941).The Gold Grade Badge was awarded for single-handed Destruction of five tanks. Just under 20,000 "Tank Destruction Badges " were awarded, including 400 examples with golden band.