Find of 2019... hollow Assmann GAB

[Giel VW]

Hi guys,

Until today the following badge remained completely unknown. We already knew of the existence of the hollow Assmann marked infantry and even more common hollow Assmann panzer assault badges... but a general assault badge?

Below you can find the missing piece of that puzzle. The construction is completely similar to the other above mentioned combat awards. Finish and set up and 100% identical, and the badge is also slightly vaulted just like the other two.

Position of the maker mark here also changed from the center of the swastika (like on the steel Assmann pieces) to the grenade tip). Like on the Luftwaffe awards on zink Assmann seemed the master in changing the position of their logo.

Probably the massive injection mold Assmann GAB (with the mold numbers 1,2,3 and 4) came very quickly after this type was produced and the switch to massive combat awards set a stop at their hollow products?

One of the biggest mysteries now... why is this the only badge that ever surfaced?! It has the looks and all characteristics of a mass production badge!!!

Hope you like it!
Giel Van Wassenhove

[Gary B]

WOW! Wonderful find. It's amazing how you always find these pieces!

I was initially looking for the "A" in the swastika and was confused that I did not see it.....

Gary B

[John T]

Very nice Giel!

I maintain that this find will be the first of these found in 2019 as it was not known that it existed. You sir have an excellent eye and spotted this small "A" where others have failed and you have unearthed what was lost to the community.

I challenge others among us to find more of these rare pieces now that we know that it exists as I surely will start looking more closely.

Best of luck to all.

John

[Thomas Durante]

Hi Giel,


Truley amazing discovery! The reverse hardware setup is exactly what I would expect for a midwar Assmann badge like we see on their PABs. Interesting that hollow Assmann PABs are very common yet this is the first time ever encountering a hollow GAB from them. Nice eye my friend, way to usher in 2019 in our hobby.



Tom

[Werner.L]

wow, how cool is this?
looking forward to see the developments in this thread

[Tom Yanacek]

Hi Giel,

An awesome discovery. Congratulations!

Best regards,
Tom

[Tony Bologna]

Very nice to see a new addition!

[John T]

Mark my word once collectors star checking their hollow-backs these badges will be as common as tulips in Holland by December of 2019

[Nicola.M]

Hello Giel,

really intresting find !! Congrats

Is really strange that never seen another example like yours, the hollow Assmann in steel are not common but you can see a lot of them...
Probably, as you wrote, change the mold injection for to do the solid version and Assmann did a little lot of this example in zinc..

Thanks again for sharing !

All the best
Nicola