Original Item: Only One Available. This is a spectacular example of a very well carved wood plaque for the 801st Tank Destroyer Battalion. The plaque itself is in fantastic condition with all original finish and colors still present and vibrant. The central portion of the plaque has the very familiar and iconic “black panther” crushing a tank in its teeth.

Approved on September 22, 1942, the authorized shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) for the Tank Destroyer Force was created by the staff of General Andrew Bruce, its first commanding officer. The colors of the force were black and orange. Hence, the TD patch featured a powerful black panther crushing a tank in its jaws, all on an orange disk. The tank, which in the original version of the patch had eight bogie wheels, typified an American tank, not a German version. Insignia manufacturers had problems breaking numerous needles while completing all the bogie wheels, necessitating the four-wheel variation of the SSI, most common version.

The plaque is in wonderful condition with minimal scratching and chips. It was masterfully carved, given the environment in which it was done!

A lovely display item ready to add to your collection.