Die struck from zinc and Guilded, this badge retains the majority of the Gold finish on its front and back. What is more, the helmet and swastika relief on the front are very crisp. It bears no makers mark which is not unusual.
Gold is the highest grade (1st class, representing Gold), and awarded to those wounded five or more times, or after death.
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.
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*
This badge has lost some of its Gold finish to the Swastika and an area lower left edge of the face, but it is a very good example. There are not many that are this good. With the brass pin that works exactly as it should.
Please see the pictures.
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