Condition: Very Good
Maker: R.K.
Base Material: Zinc
Sold
Product Description: This General Assault Badge – R.K. is a nice untouched piece. It’s made of fine zinc. The obverse still retains most of the original bright silver finish, with attractive original luster. There is some slight bubbling to the finish from age, as well as as light wear that exposes the dull gray zinc at some high points. The reverse of this General Assault Badge – R.K. is flat and smooth. The finish on the reverse is also mostly intact, with slight bubbling and fading. There is no maker mark, but this variant is attributed to the maker Rudolf Karneth (R.K.) The hardware on this badge is intact and unrepaired, and features a textbook sheet metal hinge and “question mark” catch, both neatly crimped in place. The round wire pin is functional. Overall, this badge is a nice, complete, representative example that displays great. The condition rates as very good plus.
Historical Description: The German General Assault Badge was instituted on June 1, 1940. When the first Heer (Army) combat badges were instituted, they only recognized those in the Infantry and Panzer (Tank) units. This left the supporting elements of the German Army without an award to recognize their combat achievements. Initially the General Assault Badge was intended for Combat Engineer units, but later this was expanded to include other units such as Panzerjäger’s (Tank Hunters), Cavalry Units, down to Medical Personnel who assisted the Infantry or Panzers during combat engagements. Eligibility also continued to grow to include members of the Luftwaffe (Air Force), Kreigsmarine (Navy), Waffen-SS, and Combat Police units.
The requirements for the General Assault Badge were the same as that of the Infantry Assault Badge and the Panzer Assault Badge. The soldier must have taken part in three combat assaults on three separate days. Three assaults in one day would only count as one assault. Before the institution of the Tank Destruction Strip, awarded to soldiers who destroyed a tank by means of explosives or mine, the single-handed destruction of an enemy tank would also earn the soldier the General Assault Badge.
The Standard General Assault Badge consists of an Oakleaves wreath surrounding a large National Eagle grasping the swastika with crossed bayonet and stick grenade underneath. The General Assault Badge can be found in several different base metals such as Brass, Copper Coated Aluminum, Copper Coated Zinc, and Zinc. The use of the different types of base metal was directly impacted by the war as it progressed. Shortages forced manufacturers to switch from quality base metals like brass to lower quality base metals like zinc.
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
