Black Wound Badge EH 126

Product Description: A lovely  double maker marked Black Wound Badge EH 126! It is constructed out of a die stamped, steel based that has been black painted and lacquered. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swastika, above an M35 pattern helmet, which is again above two crossed broad swords. This then all 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 of the Black Wound Badge EH 126 features a hollow back is clearly maker marked “EH”(Eduard Hahn, Oberstein/Nahe) towards the top of the badge and “126 towards the bottom to the badge. The tombak pin, steel hinge and steel catch are all intact and in well-working condition. The black paint remains 85% intact! The lacquer provides quite the shine against the light. The badge does have a tiny bit of dust and surface rust on the face but feel will clean up very nicely.  The Black Wound Badge EH 126 measures 1.75 inches high by 1.5 inches wide or 44.78mm tall by 37.26mm wide. An excellent piece to add to your collection!

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