Rare CUPAL Infantry Assault Badge in Silver

Product Description: This is a very rare Infantry Assault Badge in Cupal  is made of copper coated aluminum, known as Cupal. The Cupal version of this badge is extremely difficult to find and is many, many times more rare than zinc examples. The original silver finish is still present in the recesses on the front of the badge, but worn away from the high points, showing the red color of the copper coating. The contrast between the silver finish and the red copper gives this badge a very appealing, unique character. On the edges of the badge, the aluminum core is visible. The reverse of this solid backed badge retains most of the original silver finish. The hardware is completely intact, and without repairs. The catch has been pressed down, securing the pin in place; we won’t try to move it. The maker of this extremely rare Infantry Assault Badge in Cupal is unknown at this time, but it most likely was made by one of the group of firms known as the “Vienna Makers.” The weight of this piece is 18.5 grams. The Infantry Assault Badge in Cupal is loaded with eye appeal.

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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