{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-panzer-armored-troops-wall-plaque-on-wooden-backing-7-1-4-x-7-3-4","title":"Original German WWII Panzer Armored Troops Wall Plaque on Wooden Backing - 7 1\/4\" x 7 3\/4\"","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is a very attractive original German WWII Panzer-themed wall plaque, consisting of a wooden backing board fitted with a circular silvered zinc alloy relief depicting a column of early German tanks and their crews.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden backing measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e7 1\/4 inches wide by 7 3\/4 inches high\u003c\/strong\u003e, while the central circular plaque measures approximately \u003cstrong\u003e4 3\/4 inches in diameter\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe relief shows a line of four \u003cstrong\u003ePanzerkampfwagen I\u003c\/strong\u003e tanks advancing in formation. The turret hatches are open, with the commanders visible above the vehicles. The commander in the foreground is holding a small pennant, while his headgear appears to represent the distinctive early Panzer protective headgear commonly associated with the prewar and early-war armored forces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe central metal plaque is nicely detailed and has developed an attractive aged patina. Much of the original silvered finish remains, although there is visible wear through the plating on some of the higher points of the design.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe wooden backing also remains in very good condition and retains an original hanging loop on the reverse, allowing the piece to be wall displayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePanzer troops became one of the most recognizable branches of the German Army during WWII. The German term \u003cem\u003ePanzerkampfwagen\u003c\/em\u003e, meaning armored fighting vehicle, was commonly shortened to \u003cem\u003ePanzer\u003c\/em\u003e. Armored divisions were not composed solely of tanks, but were combined-arms formations incorporating infantry, artillery, reconnaissance, engineers, signals, anti-aircraft units, and other supporting elements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003ePanzerkampfwagen I\u003c\/strong\u003e, introduced during the rearmament period of the 1930s, was originally intended largely as a training vehicle but was nevertheless employed operationally in the early campaigns of WWII. Although lightly armed and armored by later standards, it became one of the characteristic vehicles associated with the formative years of the German Panzer arm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis plaque appears to celebrate that early armored tradition, and the depiction of multiple Panzer I tanks together with their commanders gives it a distinctly prewar or early-war visual character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall condition is very good, with honest age and wear throughout. The silvered zinc plaque retains strong detail and an appealing patina, while the wooden backing remains solid with its hanger still present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very interesting piece of German WWII Panzer memorabilia, particularly appealing for a collection focused on early armored vehicles, Panzer troops, or German military decorative pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44841903915077,"sku":"ONAC25SD0578","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONAC25SD0578__01.jpg?v=1775149960","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-panzer-armored-troops-wall-plaque-on-wooden-backing-7-1-4-x-7-3-4","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}