Bulls-Eye – German Army Marksmanship Lanyards and Tank Destruction Badges
Original price was: £175.00.£125.00Current price is: £125.00.
Description
Book Review: Bulls-Eye – German Army Marksmanship Lanyards and Tank Destruction Badges
For the specialist militaria collector, Bulls-Eye is one of those rare publications that fills a very specific—and often overlooked—gap in the field of Third Reich awards and insignia. Focusing exclusively on German Army marksmanship lanyards and Tank Destruction Badges, this volume delivers a highly detailed and visually rich study of two collecting areas that demand careful scrutiny and knowledge.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its clarity and depth of photographic documentation. Featuring nearly 300 high-quality colour and period images, it allows collectors to study original pieces in exceptional detail, from construction methods to wear patterns and subtle variations. This is particularly valuable in a field where reproductions and altered items are common, and where small differences can significantly affect authenticity and value.
The section on marksmanship lanyards (Schützenschnur) is especially comprehensive. These awards, introduced in 1936 and graded across multiple levels of proficiency, are explored across all tiers and variations. () The book carefully illustrates differences in shields, acorns, and construction, giving collectors the tools needed to distinguish between early, mid, and late-war examples, as well as branch-specific variants such as those for armoured troops.
Equally compelling is the coverage of the Tank Destruction Badge (Panzervernichtungsabzeichen)—one of the most evocative and combat-specific awards of the Second World War, given to soldiers who destroyed enemy tanks single-handedly. () The book does an excellent job of presenting both silver and gold grades, alongside original period photographs that show how these badges were worn in the field. Importantly, it also highlights common fakes and post-war alterations, an area where even experienced collectors can be caught out.
One of the standout features of Bulls-Eye is its limited-edition collector’s presentation. The book is produced as a large-format hardcover and comes housed in a protective slipcase, elevating it from a simple reference work to a display-worthy collectible in its own right.
The inclusion of a special bookmark featuring life-size badge examples further reinforces its practical use as a hands-on reference.
In terms of usability, the book strikes a good balance between visual study and informative text. While it is not written as a beginner’s guide, it provides enough explanation to support identification and comparison, making it particularly valuable for intermediate to advanced collectors looking to deepen their expertise.
Overall Verdict
Bulls-Eye is a highly specialised, well-produced reference work that deserves a place in any serious militaria library. Its combination of detailed photography, focused subject matter, and premium presentation makes it both a practical tool and a collectible item.
Rating: 9/10
A must-have for collectors of Third Reich insignia—especially those seeking a definitive visual reference on lanyards and Tank Destruction Badges.

