It has also lost pretty much all of its Black paint to the front face. But it is still a very nice example of an original item.
The Wound Badge (German: Verwundetenabzeichen) was a German military decoration first promulgated by Wilhelm II, German Emperor on 3 March 1918, which was awarded to soldiers of the German Army that were wounded during World War I.
Between the world wars, it was awarded to members of the German armed forces who fought on the Nationalist side of the Spanish Civil War, 1938–39, and received combat related wounds.
It was awarded to members in the Reichswehr, the Wehrmacht, SS and the auxiliary service organizations during World War II. After March 1943, due to the increasing number of Allied bombings, it was also awarded to civilians wounded in air raids. It was awarded when the wound was the result of enemy hostile action.
The badge had three classes:
- Black (3rd class, representing Iron), for those wounded once or twice by hostile action.
- Silver (2nd class) for being wounded three or four times.
- Gold (1st class, which could be awarded posthumously) for five or more times wounded.
The “progression” could be waived in the event of loss of a limb or eyesight; when such a severe wound occurred, the silver badge was awarded.
Badges were made of pressed steel, brass and zinc.
*Condition*
Although this badge has lost Black paint to the face, the pin, clasp, and hinge are still in place and working. Please see the pictures.
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