{"product_id":"original-german-wwii-silver-grade-dish-back-general-assault-badge-attributed-to-rudolf-karneth","title":"Original German WWII Silver Grade Dish Back General Assault Badge Attributed to Rudolf Karneth","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only One Available. This is an excellent condition Silver Grade General Assault Badge (\u003cem\u003eAllgemeines Sturmabzeichen in Silber\u003c\/em\u003e) with a \"semi-dish\" Back and functional pin. The badge measures approximately 2 1\/8\" x 1 5\/8\", and is in very good condition. Unlike most that we have seen, this example still has more than 90% of the original silvering intact, and is very attractive! Usually most of the plating flakes off, showing the zinc alloy base, but that has not happened to this example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe back has a very nice magnetic pin and brass hinge, which locks into a hook. There is no maker mark, but that is not abnormal for these awards, especially later in the war. The style of construction and hinge used is consistent with maker Rudolf Karneth \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA very good example, ready to add to your collection!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe General Assault Badge (German:\u003cem\u003e Allgemeines Sturmabzeichen\u003c\/em\u003e) was a military decoration awarded during World War II to personnel of the German Army, Waffen-SS and \u003cem\u003eOrdnungspolizei\u003c\/em\u003e (order police) who supported an infantry attack but were not part of specific infantry units and therefore did not qualify for the Infantry Assault Badge. It was instituted by General Walther von Brauchitsch on 1 June 1940.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesign\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe decoration, designed by the Berlin-based firm of Wilhelm Ernst Peekhaus, was an oval disk that measured 5.3 cm (2 in) by 4.2 cm (2 in) by .6 cm (0 in) wide. A wreath of five oak leaves runs around the circumference on each side of the medal with a pair of acorns at the base. Inside the wreath is a large Wehrmacht-style eagle with folded wings grasping a swas which itself surmounts a crossed bayonet and stick grenade. The medal was held in place on the uniform with a pin and catch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom 22 June 1943, the medal was adapted with a small plate at the base with either 25, 50, 75 or 100 to recognize those soldiers that had taken part in numerous attacks. These were known as grades II through IV, accordingly. On the Class IV badge, the oak leaves which run around the circumference on each side of the medal, along with the bayonet and hand grenade were larger in size. Further the wreath was gold in color.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCriteria for award\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe medal was originally designed for presentation to combat engineers, as well as members of the artillery, anti-aircraft and anti-tank who supported infantry units in combat. It could also be awarded to medical personnel attending to battlefield casualties in \"close combat conditions\". Prior to the introduction of the Tank Destruction Badge, the General Assault Badge could be conferred for the single-handed destruction of tanks or armored vehicles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther determining factors for award:\u003cbr\u003e- Ineligibility for the Infantry Assault Badge\u003cbr\u003e- Participation in three infantry or armored attacks on three different days; or\u003cbr\u003e- Participation in three infantry or armored indirect assaults on three different days.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39689128280133,"sku":"ONSV21NSH195","price":325.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/products\/ONSV21NSH195__01.jpg?v=1640250567","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-german-wwii-silver-grade-dish-back-general-assault-badge-attributed-to-rudolf-karneth","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}