WW2 GERMAN ARMY/SS INFANTRY ASSAULT BADGE BRONZE

SOLD

Very early war bronze Infantry Assault badge. Flat backed, with exceptionally sharp details to the entire badge. A classic early piece, not maker marked, so most likely a manufacturers or dealers specimen given the exceptional quality finish, however no doubt about it being one of the first of these rare manufactured pieces.

The badge was instituted on December 20th 1940 by  Oberstbefehlshaber des Heeres, Generalfeldmarschall von Brauchitsch, and was to be awarded to motorized Infantry units and units. To qualify for the bronze IAB, soldiers had to have participated in Infantry Assaults, with light weapons, over at least three days on the front line from January 1st 1940. A counter offensive leading  fighting at short distances would also qualify. The award of the Infanterie Sturmabzeichen was authorized at regimental command level or higher. In a special occasion on May 28th, von Brauchitsch himself awarded the first two recipients, an officer and an enlisted man.