German Insignia

[LONGSHANKS]

Ah, OK. General Assault badge. I have one of those. I'm only missing the close combat clasp.

Cheers Mike

[Marcus H]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

The others comprised two Iron Crosses (the basic design without swords, oakleaves etc!), a motherhood medal, two Close Combat badges, a Luftschutz medal and half of a sniper's lanyard badge. Essentially undisturbed since 1945 and retrieved from Germany by an RASC Lt Col. Mike

Hi Mike,

When you attain the reverse pictures I'll also see if I can assist, since I am a former collector of TR medals and badges. With the first class Ostvolker awards there are if I recall correctly by classification three main distinctive types of which there are two variations of each grade; that is, by collector definition in die flaws, details, etc.

The Close Combat Clasps depending on their grade of either gold, silver or bronze, and subsequently the maker of such will determine as to their value and desirability; not forgetting the condition, too.

The Mothers Cross, do you recall, other than the blue and white enamel the colour of the actual frame? It would be gold, silver or bronze.

The ''sniper'' lanyard would likely be a marksmanship example; the Luftshutz medal would depend on the very example of the award and I would have to see that. Unfortunately, the Ostvolker and Luftschutz, and Mutterkreuz aren't/weren't really my forte or thing I collected. I focused mostly on the Army awards and the Iron Crosses with an eclectic mix of Luftwaffe and Kriegsmarine badges, too.

However, the two ''Iron Crosses'' you mentioned and thus further noted they were devoid of the additional devices of the Swords and Oakleaves; did you mean they were the Iron Cross 2nd Class, or are they Knights Crosses that do not comprise of the devices that could be subsequently awarded?

Now, to anyone reading this, I am going to post a couple of pictures pertinent to the cause of this thread. So, if TR awards and medals offend you, please refrain from viewing any further - I do not wish to offend anyone or cause any contention on this Forum.

Mike, the award on the left is a Knights Cross (RK); the middle example is an Iron Cross 2nd Class (EK2); and, lastly the cased medal on the far right is the Iron Cross 1st Class (EK1).

Also, I've taken some close ups of the soldered loops on the top of the frames to distinguish the RK from the EK2; I hope I haven't taught you to suck eggs and that is not my intention, hence, I sincerely apologise if my fundamental ''guide'' is not exactly warranted.

Kind regards,

Marcus

[Marcus H]

Top picture, RK; bottom picture, EK2.

[Marcus H]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

It features crossed bayonet and stick grenade. Mike

Mike/Simon,

Both the Close Combat Clasp and General Assault badge feature the grenade and bayonet.

The CCC is thin and long - for the want of a better description - and the GAB is an oblate oval shape; I have pictures of both also, but I'll leave it there with the pictures.


Kind regards,

Marcus

[Hussar100]

I'd like to think we're above making adverse comments to Third Reich military insignia as they're being posted as part of historical research.

Am I being too naive?

[magpie]

If I remember correctly someone got a bit upset that somebody else had posted a german medal/badge here before you joined.

Andy

[ubervamp]

The only thing I find offensive with these is the smell.

[Hussar100]

Originally Posted by magpie

If I remember correctly someone got a bit upset that somebody else had posted a german medal/badge here before you joined.

Andy

In that case it's up to the rest of us to disabuse anyone of the notion that any badge is being posted to annoy another member and that it's purely for historical research.

To my mind there's no way we should be having annoyed comments 70 years after the end of WW2.

[LONGSHANKS]

I couldn't agree anymore Hussar. I have a few Axis combat awards collected for not the symbol on them, but for what you had to go through as an infantryman to get one.

Hence why I'd like to get the Close Combat Clasp as that was eye to eye to get one.


Simon.

[Hussar100]

Originally Posted by LONGSHANKS

I couldn't agree anymore Hussar. I have a few Axis combat awards collected for not the symbol on them, but for what you had to go through as an infantryman to get one.

Hence why I'd like to get the Close Combat Clasp as that was eye to eye to get one.


Simon.

It takes all sorts to make a world Simon. I knew blokes in our band who wouldn't play the German national anthem because of the "they bombed our chip shop" thing. Another wouldn't play the Irish national anthem for obvious reasons.

When you get a crowd of collectors with a deep historical interest, some of whom are historians or intellectuals, there are very few articles which would be offensive. After all, when they restore WW2 aircraft they put the Nazi markings back on them. The IWM is also full of exhibits bearing swastikas, as are many other museums.

Common sense is all it takes and if anyone objects, in my opinion we should be patient with them and educate them as to why it's acceptable here. If they don't accept the explanation then it's up to the moderators and admins to decide what should be done.

[hagwalther]

Hi Guys,

Attached is an image of my silver grade Close Combat Clasp.

It is also shown in Tom Durante's book The German Close Combat Clasp of WWII on pages 82 and 83. Maker is A.G.M.u. K (Arbeitsgemeinschaft Metall und Kunststoff) of Gablonz.

The badge is made of zink with a very heavy silver plate.

It was awarded for 30 days close combat action:

Regards

Chris

PS Ignore the maker on the title - another task to sort out.

[JerryBB]

Some DAK/Tropical cloth insignia from WWII with nary a swaz in sight to annoy.

[Michael Dorosh]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

Is there a Forum member who has a knowledge of the metal breast badges worn by the German Armed Forces in the World War 2 period? I'm seeking a couple of identifications. Thanks. Mike

I have a website with basic identifications if that is all one is seeking:

http://tacticalwargamer.com/articles...ecorations.htm