Original Third Reich Deutsche Reichsbahn Train Engine Plaque
Original Third Reich Deutsche Reichsbahn train engine plaque. These were mounted above a railroad eagle, or/and the engine’s designation number, on the side of WWII German train engines. Made from an alluminium alloy metal, painted black with raised brushed metal, or white painted lettering which says “Deutsche Reichsbahn”, there are six drilled holes where the bolts would have secured it to the engine.
There has been debate as to the ‘thickness’ of Third Reich period engine plates as opposed to those manufactured post war, with the war produced plaques measuring about 3-4mm thick and post war ones from about 5-6.5mm in thickness, this original war time plaque is in the 3-3.5mm range.
This fabulous train plaque has belonged to one of our colectors for over 50 years, it is in totally original condition and without any restoration, it has been simply boxed and stored away.
This amazing DR plaque retains four of the original bolts (hexagonal bolt heads only) which secured it to the train engine superstructure, the plaque having been literally cut off the train. But thats not all, the Deutsche Reichsbahn letters are heavily encrusted with thick, solidified black soot from the engine stack, the letters themselves which are the brushed metal type, are dirty and grubby looking. Unfortunately we don’t know the train engine number but it must have been an extremely hard working beast. A totally superb piece in completely original, untouched condition.
These Third Reich Deutsche Reichsbahn engine plaques are becoming very scarce, with one at recent auction fetching upwards of £1,000. So here is a great opportunity to catch a super original example, an amazing historical and future investment piece.
