Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice unissued hollow back black wound badge by Carl Wild of Hamburg, complete with its original maker marked packet. The badge itself is constructed out of a stamped steel alloy that has been blackened. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swas, above an M35 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 reverse is unmarked, as was common on hollow back badges. The pin, hinge and  catch are all intact and in well-working condition. The blackened finish on this example is almost 100%, with just some light age wear. Over time, these badges often lose their finish, but that has not happened with example, carefully stored for decades in the packet. The badge measures 1.75 inches high by 1.5 inches wide. Overall this is an very good example.

It comes complete with an original 2 1/2" by 2" paper packet, which is marked with the award name on the front in German "Black Letter" type:

It also has the complete makers name marked on the back in the same font.

The packet is in good shape, though it does show a bit of crumpling.

An excellent unissued example, complete with packet, ready to add to your collection!

The German Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) was instituted during the First World War to recognize those wounded in the conflict. It was designed using a World War One style Imperial German 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.

During the Spanish Civil War the Third Reich reinstated the Wound Badge for a short period to honor those who were wounded during the conflict from 1936 to 1939. These German units participating in the assistance of the Spanish Fascists were deemed the “Condor Legion”. The pattern of the World War One Wound Badge was again used, except this time with a raised swas on the center of the World War One era helmet.

At the outbreak of war in September 1939 with Poland, Adolf AH once again reinstated the Wound Badge Award. Again the pattern of the badge was similar to that of the earlier style except the new design was freshened up a bit by using an M35 pattern German helmet and a slightly softer looking wreath. This pattern was used until the end of the war in 1945. It is impossible to know the exact numbers of wound badges awarded during the course of the Second World War due to the vast scale and countless individuals who were wounded or killed in the conflict.

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.