Condition: Excellent ++ / Near Mint
Grade: 100
Maker: JFS
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Product Description: This 100 Engagement General Assault Badge is one of the nicest examples we have had the pleasure to be able to offer. It’s an excellent example of a badge that is nearly impossible to obtain in current market conditions. At the moment, we know of no other examples on the market at present. This badge is an absolutely textbook and untouched piece, in excellent condition, that would likely be impossible to ever upgrade. The front of the badge has an extremely impressive look, with nearly all of the original factory applied dark burnishing to the massive German eagle, bayonet and grenade emblem. The wreath retains most of the original gold finish, with nice luster. The extremely rarely encountered box with “100” numeral retains the original black paint in the recesses. The reverse of this badge is textbook in every regard, with correct hardware crimped in place, and textbook aluminum rivets that are nice and tight. Nearly all of the original gold finish is present on the reverse, and the hardware retains the finish as is typical. The tapered pin is functional, with no issues. This piece is maker marked with a stylized “JFS” in a box, indicating manufacture by the firm of Josef Feix & Söhne, in Gablonz. The 100 Engagement General Assault Badge was introduced in June 1943, and was awarded in very very limited numbers, with fewer having survived today, and even fewer still in this condition. This is an excellent opportunity to obtain a rare 100 Engagement General Assault Badge in a very choice condition. We purchased this along with some other items out of Nashville Tennessee from an estate broker. They purchased these items from the family of a Latvian gentleman who emigrated to the United States in the late 1940’s and passed away some years ago. They came across these items while cleaning out his house.
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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