Anti-Partisan Badge in Gold – Type 4 – Juncker

Product Description: This Anti-Partisan Badge in Gold is an exceptional and highly desirable example of one of the most sought-after awards of the Heer and Waffen-SS. Produced by C.E. Juncker of Berlin, this is a textbook Type 4 example exhibiting all of the hallmarks expected of this rare late-war variant.

The badge remains in completely untouched “as found” condition, exactly as it was brought home by the veteran. As is typical with late-war zinc production, much of the original gilt finish has faded with time; however, traces of the gold wash are still visible in protected areas of the obverse, particularly around the tombak hardware and most prominently on the catch plate. The pin retains nearly all of its original factory-applied blackening, a characteristic feature of unworn and untouched Juncker pieces. The hardware is completely intact, with no repairs or alterations, and features the correct short barrel hinge, banjo-style pin, and flat wire catch.

This Type 4 badge can be distinguished from earlier variants by several key details: the presence of three levels of leaves on the wreath rather than two, the distinctive skull with a step on the upper cranium, and the absence of cutouts in the design. The textbook cross-shaped dimples on the forehead are clearly evident, and, as often seen on these thick zinc badges, there are the typical hairline cracks in the surface around the swastika and reverse – a natural consequence of the material and wartime production process.

This particular example carries the added distinction of direct provenance, acquired from the daughter of Technical Sergeant Leonard Schlicht, who served with distinction in the Italian Campaign as part of the 88th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron, 88th Infantry Division, 5th Army. According to his daughter, T/Sgt Schlicht seldom spoke of his wartime experiences, though it is clear from his service with an armored reconnaissance unit that he likely saw extensive combat during the brutal Italian campaign.

Anti-Partisan Badges in Gold are rarely encountered on the open market, and untouched examples with direct veteran provenance are rarer still. This piece offers a remarkable opportunity to acquire a historically significant award that would be a centerpiece in even the most advanced collection of Third Reich combat decorations in excellent condition.

Historical Description: The Anti-Partisan Badge was instituted by a decree of “The Führer, Adolf Hitler” on January 29, 1944. Hitler stated that was creating the badge to recognize the combat actions of the German troops who were facing an ever-more organized and constantly more dangerous partisan war. The Anti-Partisan Badge was to recognize military accomplishments and personal bravery. The badge featured a sword slaying a Hydra that represented the partisans. There were three grades of this award: Bronze, for 20 combat days; Silver, for 50 combat days; and Gold for 100 combat days against partisans. To qualify as a combat day, a soldier had to be engaged in close combat with the enemy; for soldiers deployed as Infantry, “man against” man combat was specified. The criteria for Luftwaffe members was also based on combat days. Flight crews could earn combat days for carrying out successful missions during which they took fire from partisan enemy. The downing of a partisan aircraft was tallied as 3 combat days. SS-Reichsführer Heinrich Himmler reserved the right to personally award the gold grade of this award. The Anti-Partisan badge was awarded to members of the German Army, Luftwaffe, Ordnungspolizei and Waffen-SS.

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