Very nice and rare zinc Erkennungsmarke from a recruit in SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon III "Totenkopf", which was stationed in Brünn in Czech Republic.

It was formed as SS-Totenkopf-Infanterie-Ersatz-Bataillon III in Breslau in January 1940, and moved to Brünn one year later. In December 1942, this battalion was redesignated SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Ersatz-Bataillon III "Totenkopf", until it was absorbed in the newly formed SS-Panzer-Grenadier-Ausbildungs-und-Ersatz-Bataillon 3 in May 1943.

This tag was found along the break-out route of the Cherkassy pocket, which means it must have belonged to a member of the 5. SS-Panzer-Division "Wiking". The tag is in relatively good condition, with the text clearly readable.

A textbook tag with the classic font for this unit, and a rare one to come across.