Press Photo – Panther Ausf. A No. “421” Near Stanislau, 1944

Original Wartime Press Photo – Panther Ausf. A No. “421” Near Stanislau, 1944

Original wartime German press photograph, issued by a Heeres-Kriegsberichterzug (Army War Correspondent Unit), showing a Panzerkampfwagen V “Panther” Ausf. A with tactical number 421, positioned along a roadside and partially camouflaged by foliage. The vehicle is covered in characteristic Zimmerit anti-magnetic paste, with spare track links mounted on the turret sides and hull.

The reverse retains the original typed caption slip marked “Nur für den Dienstgebrauch!” (For official use only), dated 29 May 1944, and issued by Propaganda-Kompanie Nordukraine, with text reading:

“Panzerschütze Müller hat einen heißen Tag. Alarm! Na also, dacht man sich’s doch. Nun aber rein in den Panzer.”
(“Panzer gunner Müller has a hot day. Alarm! Well then, as one thought — now back into the tank.”)

Stamped and approved for release with the official red censorship stripe and field office markings.

Item Details

• Original wartime German press photograph.

• Issued by: Heeres-Kriegsberichterzug, PK Nordukraine.

• Photographer: War correspondent Valtin / Text by Harschnel.

• Location: Raum Stanislau (modern Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine).

• Date: 29 May 1944.

• Subject: Panther Ausf. A (tactical number 421) in frontline condition.

• Size: Approx. 13 × 18 cm.

• Condition: Very good; light age wear, with full caption slip and censorship stamps preserved.

Collector’s Note

An authentic and well-documented Propaganda-Kompanie press photograph featuring a Panther tank in operational context on the Eastern Front in 1944. Examples showing vehicle numbers and full Heeres-PK documentation with censorship markings are scarce, offering high historical and display value for armored warfare collectors.