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Original WWII Infantry Assault Badge in Silver – Hollow Construction
This original WWII Infantry Assault Badge in Silver is an attractive hollow-stamped example of the German Army Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber. The badge displays the classic Wehrmacht combat-award design, combining an oak-leaf wreath, German Army eagle and diagonally positioned Kar98k rifle with fixed bayonet.The example retains an attractive silver-grey appearance with darker age toning within the recessed areas. Moreover, the hollow reverse, complete original-style hinge, long pin and catch assembly, gives the badge considerable character as an early-type combat award.Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
The obverse of this Infantry Assault Badge in Silver remains sharply defined. At the top sits the Wehrmacht eagle above the swastika, while a Kar98k rifle and bayonet cross the centre of the badge.A detailed oak-leaf wreath surrounds the central design. Individual leaf veins, acorns and rifle details remain clearly visible. Consequently, the badge presents particularly well despite evidence of genuine age and wear.The photographs also show pleasing contrast between the raised silver-toned surfaces and the darker recessed areas.Hollow-Stamped Construction
One of the most interesting features is its hollow construction.The reverse clearly displays the negative impression created during the stamping process. This construction method is particularly associated with a number of wartime manufacturers and differs considerably from the heavier solid-backed zinc badges encountered later in production.A horizontally mounted hinge sits beneath the eagle. From this extends a long, round-section pin down the reverse of the badge, terminating at the lower catch.Age toning and oxidation can be seen around the reverse surfaces and attachment points. Importantly, these areas have not been aggressively cleaned or polished.Maker and Construction Assessment
No manufacturer’s mark is visible in the supplied photographs.Several recognised manufacturers produced unmarked hollow Infantry Assault Badges in Silver, including firms such as Otto Schickle, Wilhelm Deumer, Paul Meybauer and other established wartime award makers. Therefore, an unmarked reverse should not itself be considered unusual.However, the maker should not be positively assigned without a detailed die comparison, exact dimensions and weight.For that reason, Nordmenn Militaria records this example conservatively as:Maker: Unmarked / presently unattributedThis approach avoids attributing the badge to a particular manufacturer without sufficient evidence.Likewise, the precise base alloy should remain untested/unknown unless XRF analysis or another non-destructive material test is carried out. Similar hollow badges were produced using different non-ferrous alloys during the period.Historical Background
Generaloberst Walther von Brauchitsch instituted the Infantry Assault Badge in Silver on 20 December 1939.The silver grade was intended principally for personnel serving with non-motorised infantry and mountain infantry formations. Qualification generally required participation in infantry assaults or counter-attacks on three separate days.The distinctive design incorporated the principal symbols of German infantry combat: the Kar98k rifle and bayonet surrounded by an oak-leaf wreath and surmounted by the Army eagle.Consequently, the Infantry Assault Badge in Silver became one of the most recognisable German Army combat awards of the Second World War.Condition
This example remains in very good original-looking condition from the photographs provided.The front retains strong detail throughout the eagle, rifle, bayonet, wreath and oak leaves. Furthermore, attractive age patination remains in the recessed areas.The reverse displays considerably more natural oxidation and toning. The hollow construction remains clearly visible, while the hinge, pin and catch appear complete.There are signs of genuine period-type wear and surface ageing. However, the badge does not appear to have been heavily polished.I would specifically avoid cleaning this badge, because polishing could remove surviving surface finish and materially reduce its collector appeal.Authentication Assessment
On the evidence of these photographs, the construction and ageing are encouraging for a wartime example.Features supporting this assessment include the hollow stamped body, convincing die detail, period-type fastening arrangement, uneven natural surface toning and oxidation around the reverse fittings.Nevertheless, photographic examination cannot provide absolute authentication. Exact measurements, weight, magnetic testing of the pin and detailed microscopic examination of the hinge and catch would allow the attribution to be refined further.For catalogue purposes I would describe it as:Original WWII German Infantry Assault Badge in Silver – hollow stamped, unmarked manufacturer.
Specifications
Award: Infantry Assault Badge in Silver
German name: Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber
Period: Second World War
Organisation: Wehrmacht Heer
Grade: Silver
Construction: Hollow stamped
Maker: Unmarked / presently unattributed
Material: Untested / exact alloy unknown
Fastening: Vertical pin and catch
Condition: Very good, with attractive age patina and wear
