Infantry Assault Badge, by Sohni, Heubach & Co. (in silver)
CATEGORY: Version
SKU: 01.GTR.0602.104.01.000
Estimated market value:
Estimated market value:
(Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen in Silber). A badge constructed of silvered zink, comprising of an oval shaped oak leaf wreath, both sides consisting of four upwards-pointing leaves, the bottom of the badge has a stylized bow holding the wreath together, the wreath itself is crossed by the rifle with its bayonet pointing upwards from lower right to the upper left, the top of the wreath is decorated by an army eagle looking to the right, in its claws it holds the upper arm of the mobile swastika, the reverse holds the vertical needle arrangement consisting of non-magnetic, sheet metal hinge, with a round wire catch, marked S.H. u. Co. 41 for Sohni, Heubach & Co., measuring 46.22 mm (w) x 61.37 mm (h), weighing 28 grams, period repairs to hinge and catch, and in better than very fine condition.
The Infantry Assault Badge was instituted by Generaloberst von Brauchitsch on December 20, 1939, and was conferred upon infantrymen who demonstrated their bravery and merit in combat. In order to receive the award, an individual had to participate in three or more front line attacks on at least three different days. Counter attacks and reconnaissance counted as an attack.
The Silver Badge was awarded to men of infantry and mountain troop regiments. In special cases, this included ground combat units of the Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine. Members of the Waffen-SS and police forces were also eligible if they met the prerequisites. It was first awarded in late May of 1940. The Bronze Badge was awarded to men of motorized regiments and was first awarded in early June of 1940.
The badge was originally designed by C.E. Junker in Berlin, but a variety of makers started producing these badges using dies from other makers, or by making their own dies.
The badge can be found in different variations, either hollow die-stamped, semi-hollow die-stamped, or solid die-cast/die forged. The type of hinges and catches used on the badge depend upon the manufacturer. Screwbacks with a circular corrugated patterned plate are very rare.
Some badges were maker marked, others left unmarked, and some carried the company’s LDO number, indicating production for the private retail market.
It is unknown how many Infantry Assault Badges were awarded, but estimates are as high as several million.
Since some companies used very similar designs compared to other local makers, these have been combined in the same design category. There is a large number of makers and variations, which is why not necessarily all versions for every single maker can be shown here.
The S.H.&Co. design is named after the company of Sohni, Heubach &. Co. from Idar-Oberstein. Initially, all unmarked badges in the same style were attributed to this company, however it is now known that at least one other company used the same design, yet didn’t maker-mark their badges: Gottlieb & Wagner. Other examples in this design without maker marks may or may not be attributed to one of the above mentioned companies or one or more as of yet unknown additional makers.
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