Black Wound Badge – BWB

Product Description:  This Black Wound Badge (BWB) is a fine and highly collectible example of an authentic WWII-era award. Crafted from steel, this badge was presented to soldiers who sustained injuries in combat, serving as a recognition of their sacrifice and service. It remains in Excellent+ condition, with only light signs of age and wear, which enhance its character and historical significance.This particular badge does not have a maker’s mark, a known variation among original wartime examples. The hardware is completely original, correct for this type, and remains in excellent working order. There are no repairs or damage, ensuring that this piece has been exceptionally well-preserved over time. A standout addition to any WWII collection, this Black Wound Badge (BWB) represents a genuine piece of military history. Whether you are a dedicated collector or a history enthusiast, this is an opportunity to own an original artifact from the era.

Historical Description: The German Wound Badge 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 swastika on the center of the World War One era helmet.

At the outbreak of war in September 1939 with Poland, Adolf Hitler 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.

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