Condition: Near Mint
Maker: Assmann
Base Material: Zinc
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Product Description: This Near Mint General Assault Badge is a stunning example of a very desirable badge, that would likely be impossible to upgrade. This piece was made by the firm of F. W. Assmann in Lüdenscheid, a desirable maker of these. It’s made of zinc, and was produced using an injection molding process, as is evident from the round ejection marks on the reverse, and the integral hinge and catch. This beautiful badge retains very nearly all of the original silver wash, with gorgeous original luster. It still looks as it did when it was new. The obverse is extremely clean, with an almost white look to the silver. There is almost no wear- all of the original detail is intact. The reverse of this badge is pristine, with no toning or patina to note, and is maker marked with the srylized “A” maker logo of Assmann, as well as the numeral “1” which is believed to be a mold number. The hardware is textbook for this badge variant, and the round wire attachment pin is functional. By any measure, this Near Mint General Assault Badge is a choice piece.
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.
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