Infantry Assault Badge-Economy

Description Infantry Assault Badge in silver. Possibly the most popular combat badge for collectors with original pieces demanding ever higher prices. The  silver  grade  was the first issued 20th  December  1939  following by  the  bronze 1st June 1940.  Both of these  grades  are  equal ,  the  difference being  the based  solely on  the branch of  service. Later in 1940 the  awarded  was  extend  to include medics  aswell as Infantry. The Bronze  grade was   awarded  for motorized/ reconnaissance infantry units and  holds  exactly  the  same  status. The original design was  by  C. E. Junker of Berlin. It is comprised of  an oval with four oak leaves on each side  and a stylized  bow at the  bottom. To the top is the German  national eagle holding a  swastika in its  claws. To the  centre is a rifle with a fixed bayonet . The reverse hardware  consists  of a  vertical pin system.  the hinge is soldered, riveted  or  crimped into place.  A  variety of combinations  were used. The  same  app;lies  to the  catch  top hold the  pin. Early examples  were often  die stamped in silver  but  soon replaced  by  massive  stamped zinc  based  badges. As  usual the  later examples  were  cast  from kriegsmetal. badges were made of silver-plate and the later ones were made of zinc. The “bronze” version was actually made of a “metal alloy”.  Many  badges  were unmarked  and named  badges  should not  be taken  as original.  Many companies  were  employed  in  the manufacture of  these  badges.  The  silver  grade award  regulations  are  as  follows Participated in three assaults On three different days With weapon in hand Broke into enemy positions