WW2 German Waffen SS ST. L. ART. ABT. Number 97 A Identification Tag (Original)
SKU: 321
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: N/A
Date Issued: 1940's
Model: ST. L. ART. ABT.
Size / Dimensions: approximately 70mm x 50mm
Materials / Construction: Aluminium
Condition: Very Good
Price: $300.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: 25
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description
This is an original World War II German Waffen-SS identification tag, stamped with "SS-ST. L. ART. ABT. 97 A" and individual soldier number “97.” The abbreviation stands for SS-Sturm-Leichte Artillerie-Abteilung, translating to “SS Light Artillery Battalion.” Such units were responsible for providing mobile fire support to SS infantry and Panzer divisions using lighter artillery pieces suitable for rapid deployment.
Made of zinc, the disc features the standard oval shape with two perforation holes for wear around the neck and a central score line for splitting the tag upon death or capture. The clear and legible stamping reflects standard-issue field equipment issued to Waffen-SS personnel. Identification tags like this were crucial for record-keeping, especially during battlefield casualties.
This example is a rare and historically significant relic, representing the specialized artillery support elements within the Waffen-SS during WWII.
History
During World War II, German soldiers were issued identification tags (commonly called Erkennungsmarken), which served as essential tools for identifying the wounded or dead on the battlefield. Members of the Waffen-SS Panzer divisions — the armored elite of Nazi Germany’s paramilitary SS forces — carried distinct versions of these tags, reflecting their unique units and roles.
