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Condition: Near Mint
Maker: “Deep Pan” – Unknown
Base Material: Zinc
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Product Description: This Deep Pan General Assault Badge is a rare variant to find. This desirable badge is a pattern known to collectors as the “Deep Pan” type, by an as-yet unknown maker. It is made of stamped zinc. The finish on this one is almost completely intact, with only minimal fading. The design is bold and impressive, and all of the original detail is intact. The reverse of this badge is hollow and is unmarked, as is always the case with this variant. The hardware setup is intact, with no repairs, and features a sheet metal hinge and round wire catch with plate. The attachment pin is straight and functional, with a blunt taper to the tip. There is no indication that this Deep Pan General Assault Badge was ever issued or worn. It displays exceptionally well, and would be hard to upgrade. It’s in outstanding, near mint condition.
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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