Original Item: Only One Available. This is a German WWII 1939 Pattern Wound Badge in Gold (Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Gold), the highest grade of the wartime German Wound Badge. Often referred to by collectors as the 1st Class Wound Badge, this example is of solid tombak/brass construction with the remains of its original gold finish.

The 1939 Wound Badge was instituted on September 1, 1939, and was awarded in three grades according to the number and, under later regulations, severity of wounds received. The Black grade was normally awarded for one or two wounds, Silver for three or four, and Gold for five or more wounds, making the Gold badge the highest grade of the decoration. Particularly serious wounds could also affect the grade awarded.

The design followed the general form of the earlier German wound badge but incorporated the contemporary M35-style steel helmet. The front features a high-relief German steel helmet bearing a raised swas., positioned over a pair of crossed swords. These elements are surrounded by a vertically oval laurel wreath tied with a bow at the bottom, while the exposed field between the helmet, swords, and wreath has the characteristic fine pebbled texture.

This is a solid-backed example, rather than one of the later zinc versions encountered as wartime material availability changed. The front retains a subdued gold and bronze appearance, with considerable loss and mellowing of the original gilded finish from age and wear. Despite this finish loss, the important details remain quite strong.

The reverse is smooth and solid, retaining its vertically mounted pin, hinge, and catch arrangement. No manufacturer’s marking is visible on the reverse.

The Gold grade represented the highest level of the standard three-grade Wound Badge system, but an exceptionally rare special version was introduced following the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt against AH at the Wolf’s Lair headquarters near Rastenburg, East Prussia. Only 24 men were present in the conference room when Claus von Stauffenberg’s bomb exploded, and a special Wound Badge of 20 July 1944 (Verwundetenabzeichen 20. Juli 1944) was subsequently created for those killed or wounded in the explosion.

The Wound Badge also had an unusual relationship with the Iron Cross. From June 1, 1940, personnel awarded the Silver or Gold Wound Badge were automatically entitled to the Iron Cross 2nd Class if they had not already received it. Thus, qualification for one of the two higher Wound Badge grades could itself bring an additional military decoration.