Original German WWII Bronze Grade Infantry Assault Badge Attributed to Rudolf Karneth Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. Called in German a Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Bronze, this genuine badge is constructed of bronze washed zinc. Over time, the plating can wear and flake off, showing the oxidized base metal, which is zinc. Unlike most examples of the bronze grade type we see, much of the original bronze wash is present on both sides of the award. There is definitely some wear on the front, but it is still clearly bronze in many areas. The back also features a vertical steel pinback, with a pressed in barrel hinge and catch.

The design of the badge consists of an oval oak wreath tied together at the base via a ribbon, with a national eagle clutching a mobile swas (hook cross), with a vertically oriented Karabiner 98k with the bayonet attached to the front of the barrel and the carrying sling hanging from the rifle superimposed on the wreath. There is no maker mark, but that is not abnormal for these awards, especially later in the war. The “scoop back” style of construction and hinge used is consistent with maker Rudolf Karneth & Söhne of Gablonz a. N., today known as Jablonec nad Nisou in the Czech Republic. During WWII it was considered part of the “Sudetenland”, and after the war most of the German population was expelled.

Overall a very good example of this type of badge with a lovely patina, ready to display!

The Infantry Assault Badge (German: Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen) was a German war badge awarded to Waffen-SS and Wehrmacht Heer soldiers during the Second World War. This decoration was instituted on 20 December 1939 by the Commander-in-Chief of the German Army, Generalfeldmarschall Walther von Brauchitsch. It could be awarded to members of non-motorized Infantry units and units of the Gebirgsjäger that had participated in infantry assaults, with light infantry weapons, on at least three separate days of battle in the front line on or after 1 January 1940. When a counter offensive led to fighting, it could also apply. Award of the Infantry Assault Badge was authorized at regimental command level.

The bronze class was instituted on 1 June 1940. It was awarded to motorized / Mechanized Infantry troops according to the same criteria as the original version, which then  became the “silver” grade.