The Colonel Farnes Collection

A Rare German Second World War Tiger Tank Afrika Document Grouping.

A rare grouping a member of Panzer Abteilung 501, this was a Tiger Tank unit within the 15th Panzer Division, comprising:
* Armband Afrika A5 size citation, folded once, slightly ragged edges to Gefreiten Karl Hirt Panzer Abteilung 501, awarded by Heeresgruppe Afrika on the 12 March 1944, pen signed by Major and Unit Commander with over stamp of Panzer Abteilung 215 with whom this soldier was by then serving in Italy
* An Infantry Assault Badge citation, single folded, slightly ragged edges awarded to Panzerschutzen Karl Hirt of 1./Panzer-Regiment 8 awarded in Africa 10 October 1942, signed by Captain and Regiment Commander
* A head and shoulder portrait of this Gefreiten, postcard size, studio photograph probably taken just after his arrival in Africa as many soldiers did with his plain shoulder boards indicating his rank as a standard schutz, his Afrika Korps cap still in issue colour without being bleached, this particular soldier escaped from North Africa to Italy where he became a driver with Panzer Jager Abteilung 33
* Award document hand written but standard printed for the Wound Badge in black, single folded, dated 4 April 1945 with Panzer Jager Abteilung 33, central eagle and swastika inked out
* A single sheet printout creased and slightly stained with details of this soldier being involved in four battles with the English tanks and infantry 12 May to 15 May 1944 in the Pignataro area of Italy
* The Drivers’ badge in bronze citation A5 size citation, single folded, inked out eagle and swastika, dated 11 November 1944
* An immediate post-War document with the soldier being held first at a Kriegsmarine centre with the over stamp of Kriegsmarine Kommando Marine Abteilung 252, dated 26 June 1945, the paper includes his awards for war service including the Armband Afrika
* The recipient’s discharge certificate from British Occupying Forces
* Accompanying document for the French Forces. A highly interesting group to a Tiger Tank member who saw continuous service and survived the Second World War, generally good condition, rare (lot) £400-£500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Colonel Farnes Collection.

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