$16,500.00
Condition: Near Mint
Grade: 75
Maker: JFS
In stock
Product Description: This 75 Engagement General Assault Badge is an outstanding and exceptionally rare example—easily one of the finest we’ve had the privilege to offer. Produced by the firm Josef Feix & Söhne (JFS) of Gablonz, this piece is a textbook, untouched example in remarkable near mint condition. The obverse is visually striking, retaining original factory-applied finish across the eagle, bayonet, and grenade motif, which remains crisply detailed and full of depth. The surrounding wreath retains nearly all of its gold gilt wash, displaying a subtle, appealing luster. The seldom-encountered box containing the “75” engagement numeral is especially desirable, still showing its original black paint in the recesses—something rarely seen even on well-preserved examples. The reverse of the badge is completely textbook, featuring the correct hardware setup with tightly crimped fittings, pristine aluminum rivets, and a functional tapered pin—all finished in the original factory gold wash, which remains largely intact. The maker’s mark, a stylized “JFS” in a box, is crisply stamped, further confirming its authenticity. Instituted in June 1943, the 75 Engagement grade of the General Assault Badge was awarded in extremely limited numbers, and today examples of this caliber are nearly unobtainable on the open market. For the discerning collector seeking the pinnacle of condition and rarity, this badge is simply beyond compare. A true centerpiece, and virtually impossible to upgrade.
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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