{"product_id":"original-spanish-wwii-blue-division-anti-tank-sleeve-badge-with-skull-crossbones","title":"Original Spanish WWII Blue Division Anti-Tank Sleeve Badge with Skull \u0026 Crossbones","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item. Only One Available. This is a scarce original \u003cb\u003eSpanish anti-tank sleeve badge associated with the Blue Division\u003c\/b\u003e, constructed of die-stamped zinc with a red-painted or lacquered face. The badge depicts a \u003cb\u003eskull and crossbones positioned above an anti-tank artillery piece\u003c\/b\u003e and has four small holes around the perimeter for attachment to the uniform.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe badge measures approximately \u003cb\u003e2 ½ inches tall by 2 ⅛ inches wide\u003c\/b\u003e. The stamped zinc construction is relatively lightweight, while the red finish provides strong contrast to the raised design. All four attachment holes remain present.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis distinctive anti-tank insignia had its origins in Spain during the \u003cb\u003eSpanish Civil War\u003c\/b\u003e, where similar badges were used by Nationalist anti-tank personnel. The design later continued in use with Spanish volunteers serving with the \u003cb\u003eDivisión Azul, or Blue Division\u003c\/b\u003e, on the Eastern Front during WWII.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Blue Division was formally the \u003cb\u003e250th Infantry Division of the German Army\u003c\/b\u003e, composed largely of Spanish volunteers who served on the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1943. The division included a dedicated anti-tank battalion as part of its organization, making specialized anti-tank insignia particularly relevant to the unit's service in Russia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis example is especially desirable because it retains the complete form of the badge and clearly displays the unusual skull-and-crossbones design above the anti-tank gun. As a surviving piece connected with Spanish anti-tank troops and later associated with the Blue Division on the Eastern Front, it represents a scarce and visually distinctive type of Spanish WWII insignia.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45786464813125,"sku":"ONSV26EMC092","price":295.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV26EMC092.jpg?v=1789667139","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-spanish-wwii-blue-division-anti-tank-sleeve-badge-with-skull-crossbones","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}