2018.002.047 [Tag, Identification]

This is an oval-shaped German army identification tag made of dark gray metal. There are two holes punched near the perimeter on the top of the tag and three long, thin holes punched along the equator of the tag, running lengthwise. The two holes at the top were likely used to run cords through, while the three skinny holes along the equator were used to provide ease for breaking the tag in two in case the soldier who was wearing it was killed. The fact that this tag is whole and both halves are still linked indicates that the soldier it belonged to was not killed in combat. The inscription on the front of the tag is somewhat difficult to read due to a later of patina setting into the grooves of the metal. The inscription on both halves of the tag reads, "HEINR. STRUTH. WACKERNHEIM. KRS. BINGEN. 30.12.80. IE / JP 99. 2 / ARM. BATL. 73. NR 1207." This indicates that the tag belonged to a soldier named Heinrich Struth, who was from Wackernheim, Germany; he was born on December 30, 1880; he was part of the 2nd Army, Battalion 73; his number was 1207. There is no inscription on the rear face of the tag, although there is a considerable layer of dried adhesive, indicating that there was at one point a tape or other type of adhesive strip attached to the surface of this item. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.6.23: Compare Iowa to World This content can be used to encourage students to make meaningful comparisons between military service in Iowa and military service in Germany during the First World War. For any use other than instructional resources, please check with the organization that owns this item for any copyright restrictions.