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AW0027. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. (os) See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures)
AW0230. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, having crimped-in fittings. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures)
AW0382m. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Silver Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber), Stickpin. Nice looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Silver Grade, Stickpin with the badge measuring 9 by 6 mm. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AW0383m. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, Stickpin. Nice looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, Stickpin with the badge measuring 9 by 6 mm. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
AW0432. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures)
AW0503. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade by. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures)
AW0603. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures)
AW0683. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures)
AW0733. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge with crimped-in reverse fittings. (os) See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures)
AW0737. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Silver Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silber), Hollow-back. Zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) SOLD
AW0745. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Bronze Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze). Nice zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures)
AW0754. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Bronze Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze), Hollowback by Schickle. Nice looking zinc-based example. See pictures...$ 200.00 (Pictures) SOLD pending payment (g)
AW0767. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. Good looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. (os) See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures) NEW
AW0790. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Bronze-Grade. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 125.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AW0795. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Silver Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Silver), by Wurster, Catch-gone. Nice looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0803. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, by Assmann, Marked "4". Good looking late war zinc-based injection molded example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0804. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, by Assmann, Marked "2". Good looking late war zinc-based injection molded example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0822cw. Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "A.G.M.u.K.". Great looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "A.G.M.u.K.", with a strong finish that rates about 96 percent. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0824cw. Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "JFS.". Great looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "A.G.M.u.K.", with a strong finish that rates about 96 percent. See pictures...$ 450.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AW0828. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge, Deep-Dish Version. Good example with thick-deep sides. Catch gone. (os) See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AW0832. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AW0835. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade, by "GWL". Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0836. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade, "Pillow-Crimp" Version. Good looking zinc-based example with strong finish. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0841. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Bronze Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze), Catch-gone. Nice looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0847. Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "A.G.M.u.K.". Great looking zinc-based Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "A.G.M.u.K.", with a strong finish. (os) See pictures...$ 350.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0852. Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "FLL.". Great looking zinc-based example. Backing plate gone as is often seen with these. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0853. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, by FZZS, Catch-Gone. Nice zinc-based piece. (os) See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0857. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Bronze Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze), by Wiedmann. Nice looking zinc-based example. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0858. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 95.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0860. Army/Waffen-SS Close Combat Clasp, Bronze Grade, by "FLL.". Great looking zinc-based example. See pictures...$ 275.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0867. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver Grade, by FCL. Nice zinc-based piece. (os) See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0871. Army/Waffen-SS Panzer Assault Badge, Bronze Grade (Panzerkampfabzeichen in Bronze). Nice zinc-based badge. (os) See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
AW0872. Army/Waffen-SS General Assault Badge. Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 145.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
AW0874. Army/Waffen-SS Infantry Assault Badge, Silver-Grade, by "GWL". Good looking zinc-based example. (os) See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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The Genesis of Combat Badges
The Army and Waffen-SS combat badges emerged from the need to recognize front-line soldiers who repeatedly faced the enemy in close combat. Unlike campaign medals, which were awarded for participation in a theater, these badges were earned through specific actions under fire. First instituted in the early war years, they quickly became a visible mark of combat experience and bravery, worn with pride on the left breast pocket of the uniform.
Although the Army and Waffen-SS were separate organizations, they shared nearly identical badge designs and award criteria. This was partly due to the Waffen-SS initially being equipped and supplied through Army channels, leading to a unified system of recognition for ground combat troops. Collectors today often group these badges together, as they display the same eagle-and-swastika motif and were produced by the same manufacturers.
Award Criteria and Grades
Each badge had a specific set of requirements, often involving a minimum number of combat days or assault actions. The criteria were strictly documented and could be amended as the war progressed. The following are the primary badges encountered:
- Infantry Assault Badge (Infanterie-Sturmabzeichen): Awarded to enlisted men and NCOs of rifle companies who participated in at least three infantry assaults on different days, or in close combat situations. A bronze grade was introduced later for motorized infantry units.
- General Assault Badge (Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen): For combat engineers, artillery, anti-tank, and other supporting troops who did not qualify for the Infantry Assault Badge but took part in assaults under similar conditions.
- Panzer Assault Badge (Panzerkampfabzeichen): For tank crews who participated in at least three armored assaults on different days. Introduced in silver in December 1939, a bronze version followed in June 1940 for armored reconnaissance and other armored units.
- Close Combat Clasp (Nahkampfspange): Instituted in November 1942, it recognized hand-to-hand fighting. Awarded in bronze for 15 days of close combat, silver for 25, and gold for 50 or more days.
Design and Manufacturing
Early war badges were typically die-struck from tombak or nickel silver, with high-quality finishes and fine detail. As the war progressed and materials became scarce, manufacturers switched to zinc, which was cheaper and more readily available. Zinc badges often have a duller appearance and are more prone to corrosion, but they remain highly collectible due to their historical authenticity.
Many badges can be attributed to specific makers through their reverse hardware, maker marks (such as "JFS," "GWL," or a number code), and design nuances. For example, the hollow-back Panzer badges are often associated with earlier production, while solid zinc versions are typical of later war periods. Understanding these variations is essential for both collectors and historians.
Collecting and Authentication
Due to the high demand for original German combat badges, the market is flooded with reproductions, some of which are extremely convincing. Collectors should pay close attention to the weight, material, and finish of a badge. Original zinc badges often exhibit a particular grayish patina, while modern fakes may have incorrect hinge and catch assemblies or poorly defined details on the eagle and wreath.
It is advisable to study known originals, either through reference books, reputable dealer sites, or collector forums. When possible, compare the badge in question with verified examples, noting the exact construction of the pin, hinge, and catch. Additionally, provenance and documentation can add confidence, but they should never replace a thorough physical examination.
Related Collecting Areas
Collectors of Army and Waffen-SS badges often expand their interests to include other branches of the German military. The Kriegsmarine Badges and Luftwaffe Badges offer parallel systems of recognition with their own distinctive designs. For those focusing on smaller items, Membership Badges & Stickpins provide an affordable entry point into the hobby. Finally, a broad overview of all awards can be found in the Medals and Badges section.
Whether you are a seasoned collector or a newcomer, understanding the history and criteria of these badges enhances the appreciation of each piece. The badges listed above represent authentic examples that have survived decades, each with its own story of service and sacrifice.