2018.002.049 [Tag, Identification]

This is an oval-shaped German army identity disk made of dark gray metal (most likely zinc). There are two holes punched in the top of the disk above the inscription. There is a fine layer of patina around the perimeter edges of the disk, and some signs of corrosion along the edges as well. The inscription on the front face reads, "Arm. Btl. 82 - 3. Komp. - No. 295." This indicates that the soldier who wore this tag belonged to the 82nd Battalion of the Army Corps and that his identification number was 295. The opposite face of the disk is blank. This disk is most likely an older model of identification disk issued by the German Army for its active and non-combat soldiers between 1878 and 1914. During this time, there was an increasing need for economizing the identification of soldiers since the German army had grown large enough to produce logistical challenges. This type of disk was produced as a cheap and easy alternative to the rectangular identification disks that had preceded it. Unlike its predecessors, this type of disk was oval-shaped and without curled edges. The disks began blank; all specific information would be printed onto the disks at the regimental level rather than at the state level. This type of disk also does not contain any information regarding the specific German state soldiers hailed from; this information would be denoted by a specially colored cord attached to the tag. The cord for this particular tag is missing. This content can be used with the following resources: SS.6.23: Compare Iowa to World This content can be used to inspire students to make analytical comparisons between the military service of Iowa soldiers to the military service of Germans 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.