This is an authentic WW2 Nazi Germany Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze. This is in great combat worn condition w/standard age wear matching its period of wear.
Officially instituted by Generaloberst von Brauchitsch on 20 December 1939, they were conferred upon infantrymen who demonstrated bravery and merit in combat. An infantryman had to participate in three or more front line attacks on at least three different days (Counter attacks & reconnaissance counted).
Variants (issued to):
1. Silver Badge (1st awarded May 1940):
- Awarded to infantry & mountain troop regiments, ground combat units of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine in special cases, & Waffen-SS & police forces if meeting the prerequisites.
2. Bronze Badge (1st awarded June 1940 & the rarer of the two variants):
- Awarded to motorized regiments.
Measurements (approximate):
Height: 2 1/2"
Width: 2"
Description:
Constructed of silvered zinc.
Obverse: Oval shaped oak leaf wreath. Both sides w/4 upward-pointing leaves while the bottom has a stylized bow holding the wreath together. The wreath is crossed by the rifle w/its bayonet pointing upward (lower right to upper left). The top contains the army eagle facing right holding a mobile swastika in its claws.
Reverse: Vertical non-metallic pin-back hinge attachment w/round wire catch. Also maker marked as follows:
1. W.H. = Wilhelm Hobacher
2. S.H.u.CO 41 = Sohni, Heubach & Co.
Note: There are currently TWO Infantry assault badges in stock but the ad sells only ONE at the list price. The Maker mark designations are mentioned to differentiate the two available for purchase. Of course, the buyer can purchase both by selecting the corresponding number at checkout.
HISTORY:
Originally designed by C.E. Junker (Berlin), a variety of makers produced these badges using dies of other makers or by making their own dies. As a result, they can be found in different variations, either hollow die-stamped, semi-hollow die-stamped, or solid die-cast/die forged. The hinges and catches vary as well but the screwbacks w/circular corrugated patterned plate are very rare.
Some had maker marks while others were unmarked and others, carried the company’s LDO number, indicating production for the private retail market.
It is unknown exactly how many were awarded but estimates range well in the millions.
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WW2 (Nazi Germany) - by W. Hobacher
Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze
$145.00 (Firm)
Conferred upon infantrymen who demonstrated
bravery/merit in combat. Must have participated
in 3 or more front line attacks on 3 different days.
Instituted on 20 December 1939
by General von Brauchitsch
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