Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze – JFS

Product Description: This Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze with original issue packet is an outstanding set. The award is unissued, and shows zero wear. All of the original fine detail is present. It is made of zinc, and retains great original bronze finish, with some typical slight fading that reveals the gray color of the zinc in some areas. The reverse of the badge retains full original chocolate bronze finish and is maker marked with a stylized “JFS” in a box, indicating manufacture by the firm of Josef Feix Söhne in Gablonz. The hardware setup is textbook for this maker, with a crimped-in catch plate and ball hinge, and a functional round wire pin. This badge is complete with its original packet of issue. The packet is a typical example, made of buff-colored paper. The packet is crisp and near perfect, with only extremely slight traces of storage and handling wear. The front of the packet is emblazoned with the designation of the award, “Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze,” in Gothic lettering. The back of the packet has an intact closure flap and is maker marked for JFS, matching the badge. This is a great and desirable example of an Infantry Assault Badge in Bronze, in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen) was instituted on December 20, 1939, by German Army commander Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch. The design of the badge featured the iconic K98 rifle, the standard German Infantry weapon of WWII, surrounded by oak leaves and surmounted by a German Army eagle and swastika emblem. The creation of this design has been attributed to the C.E. Juncker firm in Berlin. The badge could be awarded to members of the Heer and SS-VT (later the Waffen-SS) who participate in ground combat as infantry. To earn this award, soldiers had to participate in three or more assaults, counterattacks, or reconnaissance missions, or to have participated in hand to hand combat in an assault, or to have participated in three days of reestablishing combat positions. These actions had to take place on separate days to meet the award criteria. On June 1, 1940, a Bronze grade of this award was instituted, for motorized infantry. The criteria for the award were the same, only for motorized units. The earliest versions of the Infantry Assault Badge were made of Tombak or other high-quality alloys, with a plated finish. Later production awards were generally zinc alloy, with a bronze or silver wash that often faded with wear and time.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com