Gold Wound Badge Tombak – Hauptmünzamt Wien

Product Description: A textbook Gold Wound Badge, produced in tombak and fitted with a correct round wire pin, sheet-metal hinge, and matching catch, all firmly affixed and fully functional. The badge retains approximately 90 percent of its original gilt finish, with only gentle softening to the high points of the swastika and surrounding wreath, where the warm tombak base subtly shows through in an entirely honest manner.

The obverse is crisply struck, displaying sharp and well-preserved detail to the classic helmet and crossed swords motif. The reverse shows light, even toning consistent with age, which does not detract from the overall visual appeal. While unmarked, this specific variant is well documented as a product of the Hauptmünzamt Wien (Vienna Mint).

An attractive and highly representative example of the award, this Gold Wound Badge presents in excellent overall condition and exemplifies the superior quality of early tombak manufacture. A desirable acquisition for the discerning collector of Third Reich 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.

We are the leading team of military antique specialists. We have specialized in military antiques for over 25 years.

Epic Artifacts offers free evaluations and the highest prices available for your collectibles.

We purchase single items, entire collections, or family estates.

Click the link here to learn more: Free Evaluation or Inquiries 

or feel free to email us directly: info@epicartifacts.com