Panzerkampfabzeichen II. Stufe Award Doc: ALFRED RUBBEL (!) schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 (Tiger, King Tiger!)

An exceptional and historically significant original Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber, II. Stufe, awarded to Fahnenjunker-Feldwebel Alfred Rubbel, a documented and highly regarded tank commander of the 1. Kompanie / schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503.

This outstanding set is accompanied by the original award recommendation document (Antrag für Verleihung), which explicitly records Rubbel’s role as “Kommandant Panzer VI (Tiger)”. Notably, the reverse of the document details the operational days credited toward the award, offering valuable insight into his frontline service and combat record.

Alfred Rubbel (b. 1921, East Prussia) volunteered for the Panzertruppe in 1940 and served continuously on the Eastern Front from 1941 to 1945. His service included assignments with Panzer Regiments 29 and 4, culminating in his role within the elite schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503, operating both the Tiger I and later the Tiger II (King Tiger). He ultimately attained the rank of reserve lieutenant within the battalion staff.

Following the war, Rubbel transitioned to civilian agricultural work (1946–1956), before resuming military service in the Bundeswehr (1956–1978), where he held various staff, troop command, and instructional roles within armored units, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He remained active in military technology fields until 1992.

During the war, Rubbel is credited with approximately 60 tank victories, placing him among the notable German Panzer commanders of the period. He is further associated with a particularly remarkable engagement near Wildendürnbach (Austrian-Czech border), where he reportedly destroyed a T-34 using an indirect firing method—an unusual and well-documented action referenced in “Memories of the Tiger Division 503.”

Highlights:

• Original Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber, 2nd Class

• Named and documented to Alfred Rubbel

• Includes original award recommendation (Antrag)

• Clear mention of Tiger tank command role

• Detailed service-day record on reverse

• Direct link to schwere Panzer-Abteilung 503 (Tiger unit)

• Strong provenance to a recognized Panzer ace

A rare opportunity to acquire a well-documented award group tied to a prominent Tiger commander, combining historical significance, traceable provenance, and strong collector appeal.

Comes with the book!