IAB Infantry Assault Badge Silver – Deschler Mutant

Product Description: A genuine and seldom-seen variant of the IAB Infantry Assault Badge Silver – Deschler Mutant, unofficially referred to by collectors as the “Deschler Mutant” due to its hybridized design features closely resembling known examples by both Juncker and Deschler. This distinctive version is believed to have been produced late in the war and remains one of the more enigmatic and desirable zinc-based variants.

Struck in zinc, the IAB Infantry Assault Badge Silver – Deschler Mutant depicts the classic oval oak leaf wreath with a central K98 rifle and fixed bayonet, surmounted by the Wehrmacht eagle clutching a swastika. The badge retains approximately 50% of its original silver finish, showing even wear with attractive patina to the high points and recessed areas. The reverse features a well-preserved hinge and catch system typical of late-war production.

Historical Description: The Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen) was instituted on December 20, 1939, by German Army commander Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch. The design of the badge featured the iconic K98 rifle, the standard German Infantry weapon of WWII, surrounded by oak leaves and surmounted by a German Army eagle and swastika emblem. The creation of this design has been attributed to the C.E. Juncker firm in Berlin. The badge could be awarded to members of the Heer and SS-VT (later the Waffen-SS) who participate in ground combat as infantry. To earn this award, soldiers had to participate in three or more assaults, counterattacks, or reconnaissance missions, or to have participated in hand to hand combat in an assault, or to have participated in three days of reestablishing combat positions. These actions had to take place on separate days to meet the award criteria. On June 1, 1940, a Bronze grade of this award was instituted, for motorized infantry. The criteria for the award were the same, only for motorized units. The earliest versions of the Infantry Assault Badge were made of Tombak or other high-quality alloys, with a plated finish. Later production awards were generally zinc alloy, with a bronze or silver wash that often faded with wear and time.

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