Offered here is an authentic WWII German Erkennungsmarke (ID tag) issued to a soldier of the Stammkompanie (Staff Company) of the Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 171.
Replacement battalions like this were responsible for training and equipping new recruits for front-line infantry service, and the Stammkompanie played a key administrative and cadre role.
This particular example is marked:
- Unit: Stammkp. Gren. Ers. Btl. 171
- Soldier Number: 1719
- Blood Group: A
- Material: Zinc
Condition: Dark age patina, excellent legibility
Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon 171 was part of the Wehrmacht’s mid- to late-war structure, evolving from earlier infantry formations. The “Grenadier” designation became standard after October 1942 and often carried symbolic weight, evoking elite Prussian tradition.