Scooped Back Infantry Assault Badge in Silver – Steinhauer & Luck

Product Description: This scooped back Infantry Assault Badge in Silver is an outstanding example of a scarce and desirable variant. It is made of fine zinc. The obverse retains 95 percent of the original silver finish, which is extraordinary for a zinc badge. There are just a few tiny areas at high points where handling wear has exposed bare zinc. All of the original detail is present. The reverse of this badge shows the interesting “scooped back” construction style, with flat-bottomed recesses behind the design elements. All of the finish is present on the reverse. There is no manufacturer marking, but this variant is attributed to the firm of Steinhauer & Lück in Lüdenscheid. The hardware setup on this is intact and functional, with no repairs, and features a typical round wire pin, as well as a sheet metal hinge and round wire catch, both still crimped into place with the original crimps. There are some bends in the pin that suggest this piece may have been worn on a uniform at one time. This scooped back Infantry Assault Badge in Silver is a choice variant of this popular award, in excellent condition.

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.

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