Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice Imperial German silver wound badge (Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber), constructed out of a stamped steel magnetic base that has been silver washed. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swas, above an M16 "Stahlhelm" pattern helmet, which is above two crossed broad swords. This then lies on a pebbled field and is surrounded by a laurel leaf and berry wreath which is tied together at the bottom with a bow tie.

The badge is of the "hollow back" type, made of steel. The pin, hinge and catch are all intact and in well-working condition. The silver wash on this example is quite good, with more than 90% of the front intact. Most of these badges over time completely lose the wash and turn gray. The back of the hollow back examples were not heavily silvered, though this still has some visible. The badge measures 1.75 inches high by 1.5 inches wide.

A very nice example, ready to add to your collection!

The German Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) was instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II on 3 March 1918 during the First World War to recognize those wounded in the conflict. It was designed using a World War One style Imperial German Stahlhelm helmet as the main motif. The helmet was set on top two crossed swords against a pebbled background and surrounded by a laurel leaves wreath.

The Wound Badge Awards came in three different types of grades representing the amount , or severity, of wounds received. The first grade, the Black Wound Badge was awarded for 1 to 2 wounds received in combat. The Silver Grade was awarded for 3 to 4 wounds, and finally the Gold Grade for 5 or more wounds, total disability, or death.

The badge was later updated during the 1930s to feature the NSDAP swas, so this is definitely a WWI version.