Later version of the Karl Wurster GAB (small w maker mark at 11 o’clock position). Compared to the earlier version of the General assault badge of the same manufacturer it can be seen that the medal is:
– Of a different finish (silver coloured paint wash vs silver enamel paint / electrolyte)
– Uses a different Hinge (Folded stamped metal vs Block hinge)
The obverse detailing shows commonality with the earlier variant so one can assume that the moulds of the badge were not changed but re used with the new metal composition.
An early example of the small w GAB (General Assault Bage) from manufacturer Karl Wurster. The badge is made from zinc which is then silvered and evidence of this can be seen on the rear of the badge where “zinc pest” (corrosion of the zinc) has produced bubbling beneth the silver coating.
Please see the later example of this badge by the same manufacturer which is also in the medal database.
One of the few original Greman world war two General Assault badges with a screwback device to be known as a genuine example. Very rarely encountered although fakes and reproductions abound. The number of photos is sufficient to determine through comparison a genuine version but some angles have not been shown to ensure that further reproductions cannot be produced from these images alone.