This original WWII FLL Infantry Assault Badge in Silver is an attractive hollow-stamped example of the German Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber. Although the badge carries no visible maker mark, its die characteristics, proportions and reverse fittings strongly support an attribution to Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid (FLL).
Importantly, the base material remains unknown. Therefore, this catalogue does not describe the badge as nickel silver, tombac or zinc. Only a non-destructive material analysis, such as XRF testing, could establish the precise alloy with confidence.
€ 550
1 in stock
This original WWII FLL Infantry Assault Badge in Silver is an attractive hollow-stamped example of the German Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber. Although the badge carries no visible maker mark, its die characteristics, proportions and reverse fittings strongly support an attribution to Friedrich Linden of Lüdenscheid (FLL).
Importantly, the base material remains unknown. Therefore, this catalogue does not describe the badge as nickel silver, tombac or zinc. Only a non-destructive material analysis, such as XRF testing, could establish the precise alloy with confidence.
The obverse displays the classic Infantry Assault Badge design with a Wehrmacht eagle positioned above an oval oak-leaf wreath. Across the centre runs a detailed Kar98k rifle with fixed bayonet and curved sling.
Strong definition remains throughout the design. Individual feathers appear clearly within the eagle, while the wreath retains crisp oak leaves, veins and acorns. Furthermore, the rifle shows convincing detail through its stock, receiver, barrel and bayonet.
Unlike many later solid-backed awards, this FLL Infantry Assault Badge in Silver has a hollow stamped body. Consequently, the reverse shows the negative impression of the obverse design.
Its dimensions are particularly convincing for the type.
| Specification | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 61 mm |
| Width | 46 mm |
| Weight | 19 grams |
| Construction | Hollow stamped |
| Grade | Silver |
| Maker | Unmarked – attributed to Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid |
| Material | Unknown / not tested |
| Period | Second World War |
Published examples vary according to manufacturer and die, although Helmut Weitze records Infantry Assault Badges at approximately 61–63 mm high and 46–49 mm wide. The 61 × 46 mm dimensions of the present badge therefore sit comfortably within that documented range.
Friedrich Linden, usually abbreviated FLL, operated in Lüdenscheid and manufactured numerous German decorations during the Second World War.
Several features support an FLL attribution on this example. Most notably, the eagle profile, rifle arrangement, wreath configuration, hollow stamping and characteristic rear hardware closely correspond with documented Friedrich Linden Infantry Assault Badges.
An absence of a maker mark does not automatically exclude FLL manufacture. Ratisbon’s has documented unmarked hollow Infantry Assault Badges which it safely attributes to Friedrich Linden on the basis of construction and die characteristics.
Accordingly, the correct catalogue description is “unmarked, attributed to Friedrich Linden, Lüdenscheid” rather than claiming that the badge itself bears an FLL or L/61 mark.
Hollow Infantry Assault Badges have considerable collector appeal because their construction differs immediately from the later solid-backed forms.
Looking at the reverse, the stamping remains clearly visible. Moreover, the thin body displays the depth and contours created during the original die-forming process.
A substantial hinge sits beneath the eagle. From there, a long round-section pin travels down the reverse before engaging with the lower wire catch.
Natural age appears around the fittings and soldered areas. Meanwhile, the surrounding surfaces display the irregular oxidation and toning expected from a period badge that has survived for more than eighty years.
Nothing visible in the supplied photographs suggests newly manufactured hardware.
The exact alloy deserves careful treatment.
Visually, the badge presents a silver-grey base metal beneath the surviving finish and age toning. Nevertheless, photographs and weight alone cannot reliably distinguish between every alloy used in wartime award production.
Friedrich Linden used different materials during its production history. For example, documented FLL Infantry Assault Badges exist in zinc, while exceptionally scarce early hollow examples also exist in nickel silver.
For that reason, this example should remain catalogued simply as “material unknown” until tested.
Such caution strengthens the listing rather than weakening it. Serious collectors generally prefer an accurate description over an unsupported metallurgical claim.
Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch instituted the Infantry Assault Badge in Silver on 20 December 1939 for qualifying members of the German Army infantry.
Recipients normally had to participate in infantry assaults or counter-attacks on three separate days while serving with eligible infantry formations. Consequently, the badge represented direct participation in front-line combat rather than service alone.
The silver grade became one of the best recognised German Army combat awards of the Second World War. Today, collectors study individual manufacturers, dies, materials and fastening systems closely because numerous production variations existed.
This example remains in very good original condition.
Clear detail survives across the eagle, rifle and wreath. Attractive age toning also creates strong contrast between the raised surfaces and deeper recesses.
On the reverse, the hinge, pin and catch remain complete. Period oxidation appears around the fittings, while the hollow body retains an appropriately aged surface.
No aggressive modern polishing is apparent from the photographs. Therefore, the badge retains the appearance that advanced collectors normally prefer in an untouched combat award.
This FLL Infantry Assault Badge in Silver combines several features that make it particularly appealing.
Its hollow construction immediately distinguishes it from many conventional solid-backed examples. In addition, the 61 × 46 mm dimensions, 19 gram weight, complete fastening system and strong Friedrich Linden characteristics make it an excellent study piece.
Most importantly, the catalogue does not exaggerate the unknown material. Future XRF analysis could add useful information and potentially refine the exact production variant.
For an advanced collection of Wehrmacht combat awards, Friedrich Linden decorations or German military badges, this is a particularly attractive original example.
For Yoast, insert this naturally within the description:
Explore further original German medals, combat badges and wartime decorations in our Medals, Badges and Awards collection.
Nordmenn Militaria – Medals, Badges and Awards
Your current Nordmenn site places Medals Badges and Awards among its main collection categories.
Use the first link in the historical or maker section:
Compare documented Friedrich Linden Infantry Assault Badges with examples catalogued by specialist militaria dealer Helmut Weitze.
Helmut Weitze – Friedrich Linden Infantry Assault Badge
For a second authoritative comparison, use:
Ratisbon’s also documents original unmarked hollow Infantry Assault Badges attributed to Friedrich Linden.
Ratisbon’s – FLL Infantry Assault Badge Reference
Ratisbon’s records both hollow zinc and early nickel-silver FLL examples, which is precisely why the material of your badge should remain unknown until scientifically tested.
