Original Item. Only One Available. This is a German WWII 1939 Wound Badge, or Verwundetenabzeichen 1939, attributed to the Gold grade and manufactured by B.H. Mayer's Kunstprägeanstalt of Pforzheim. The badge is accompanied by a black presentation case bearing a blue label identifying the Hauptmünzamt Wien, or Vienna Mint.

The badge appears to be constructed from solid zinc alloy and bears the standard 1939 design, consisting of a German steel helmet with a canted swas. over crossed swords, set against a finely pebbled background and surrounded by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom. The plain reverse retains its vertical brass-colored pinback assembly and is clearly stamped 26, the Präsidialkanzlei manufacturer code assigned to B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim.

The accompanying black textured presentation case measures approximately 2 ½" x 2 ½" [6.4 x 6.4 cm] and has a small brass-colored closure. The interior features a light-colored fabric-lined lid and a tan fitted insert with a recess for the badge's pin. Of particular interest is a blue label affixed to the underside, reportedly reading "Hauptmünzamt Wien III." This identifies the Vienna Mint, which held the separate manufacturer code 30. The original association between the Mayer-marked badge and the Vienna-labeled case remains uncertain.

The badge remains in good overall condition, with considerable age-related deterioration of its original surface finish. It now has a predominantly matte gray appearance, with small areas of yellowish coloration along portions of the outer edge and scattered oxidation and discoloration. The raised helmet, swords, wreath, and finely textured background retain good definition. The reverse shows an even gray patina, while the pin, hinge, and catch are all present. The presentation case displays moderate storage wear, including scattered abrasions, small chips to the black exterior covering, and rubbing along the corners and edges. The interior remains well preserved, with light age discoloration to the fabric and fitted insert.

Historical Context

The German Wound Badge, or Verwundetenabzeichen, was originally instituted on March 3, 1918, by Kaiser Wilhelm II during the final year of WWI. It was intended to recognize German military personnel who had suffered qualifying wounds during wartime service. The decoration was established in three grades, Black, Silver, and Gold, and became a recognized distinction for wounded veterans of the Imperial German armed forces.

The decoration was revived in a modified form on May 22, 1939, for German personnel wounded during service connected with the Spanish Civil War. A further version was instituted on September 1, 1939, coinciding with Germany's invasion of Poland and the beginning of WWII in Europe. The wartime design retained the traditional steel helmet, crossed swords, and surrounding wreath, incorporating the political emblem of the period on the helmet.

Under the September 1939 regulations, the three grades were awarded according to the number of qualifying wounds sustained. The Black grade recognized one or two wounds, Silver recognized three or four, and Gold was awarded for five or more qualifying wounds. Earlier wounds for which a Wound Badge had already been awarded could also count toward qualification for a higher grade.

The regulations made provisions for particularly serious permanent injuries. The Silver grade could be awarded regardless of the number of wounds in cases involving the loss of a hand, foot, or eye, severe hearing loss, certain brain injuries, or serious facial disfigurement. The Gold grade could likewise be awarded for combinations of such injuries or particularly severe disabilities, including blindness resulting from enemy action.

The badge was worn on the left breast of the uniform, with recipients authorized to wear the highest grade they had earned. Although closely associated with the German armed forces, eligibility was extended to additional categories of personnel under subsequent wartime regulations. The decoration remained in use throughout the conflict, recognizing wounds sustained during combat and other qualifying circumstances involving enemy action.

The manufacturer of this badge, B.H. Mayer's Kunstprägeanstalt, was founded in Pforzheim in 1871 by Bernhard Heinrich Mayer. The firm specialized in the production of medals, coins, plaques, decorations, and other finely struck metalwork. It developed into an established German manufacturer and was granted the title of Hofkunstprägeanstalt, or Court Medal-Minting Establishment, by the Grand Duke of Baden in 1911.

During WWII, B.H. Mayer was among the firms involved in producing German military decorations. The manufacturer was assigned code 26 under the Präsidialkanzlei numbering system, which identified approved manufacturers of official awards. The firm also used the separate LDO designation L/18, associated with the Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller, the organization responsible for regulating the commercial manufacture and sale of certain German decorations.

Wound Badges were produced in different metals during the war, with zinc becoming increasingly important as restrictions on strategic materials affected the manufacture of military awards. Zinc badges received appropriate surface treatments to produce the black, silver, or gold appearance required by their grade. These applied finishes were susceptible to deterioration, sometimes leaving much of the underlying gray metal exposed.

The presentation case is additionally connected with the Hauptmünzamt Wien, the principal mint in Vienna. The institution had a long history of coin and medal production and became Austria's sole official mint following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in 1918. During the German administration of Austria, the Vienna Mint also participated in the production of official German decorations and was assigned Präsidialkanzlei manufacturer code 30.

The different manufacturer identifications on the badge and presentation case are an important aspect of this grouping. The badge bears the code of B.H. Mayer in Pforzheim, while the case label names the Hauptmünzamt Wien. The exact circumstances under which the two were brought together are unknown.