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Condition: Excellent
Maker: Assmann
Base Material: Zinc
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Product Description: This Assmann General Assault Badge is a nice example of a scarce and desirable variant. It is made of zinc. Most of the original finish has faded. Light wear to the obverse creates highlights that contrast nicely with the dull gray color of the zinc, giving this badge a great look. The reverse of this Assmann General Assault Badge is semi-hollow, with a recessed area behind the grenade and bayonet. It’s maker marked behind the eagle with the stylized “A” maker mark of the firm of F. W. Assmann & Söhne in Lüdenscheid. The original silver finish is still present on the hardware and around the hinge. The hardware setup shows no sign of repair, and is correct for this maker, with a sheet metal hinge and round wire pin. The catch is also made or round wire, and appears to be slightly bent, but remains functional- it’s possible this is just how this piece was made. This is an attractive piece, with nice character. The condition rates as excellent.
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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