German Wehrmacht 62nd Infantry and Volksgrenadier Division Memorial plate 1938-45
The porcelain plate with screen-printed decoration displays the official designation "62. INFANTERIE UND VOLKSGRENADIERDIVISION 1938-45" in black printed lettering arranged in a circle around the rim. The centre surface is adorned with gold-coloured decoration: a stylised Iron Cross in ochre/gold and beneath it a crescent moon serving as the division's tactical symbol. The rim is bordered with a gold decorative band. The reverse bears the manufacturer's mark "ANRA Siebdruck 5410 Höhr-Grenzhausen" in black underglaze print. Very good condition. D. 23.5 cm.
The 62. Infanterie-Division was raised on 26 August 1939 in Wehrkreis VIII (Silesia) and served on the Eastern Front with Army Group South from 1941. The division was destroyed in the Soviet Jassy-Kishinev Offensive in August 1944. The 62. Volksgrenadier-Division was reformed on 22 September 1944 and surrendered in the Ruhr Pocket in April 1945. This plate likely represents a commemorative piece, possibly for former members of the division. The manufacturer ANRA Siebdruck in Höhr-Grenzhausen produced ceramic items with screen-printed decoration.