Early Black Wound Badge – Tombak

Product Description: A compelling example of the early Black Wound Badge issued during the Second World War, this distinguished piece is crafted from Tombak, a brass alloy indicative of initial wartime production. The obverse exhibits significant wear, with much of the original factory-applied smooth black enamel finish having worn away from the high points, revealing the warm brass tone beneath. This interplay of black enamel and mellow patinated metal creates a visually striking contrast.

The badge’s textured pebbling remains sharply defined, complemented by crisply rendered crossed swords and a finely detailed laurel wreath. The hollow reverse, typical of these early issues, remains unmarked in accordance with period manufacturing standards. Nearly the entire surface of the reverse enamel is intact, presenting an attractive, well-preserved finish.

The original hardware setup is complete and functional, showing no evidence of repair. Minor wear on the attachment pin and a subtle bend in the sheet metal catch suggest authentic wartime use. This badge embodies both the utilitarian craftsmanship and battlefield history emblematic of the Wehrmacht’s decorations.

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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