Condition: Excellent
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Product Description: This is a very attractive Silver Wound Badge made of Tombak. These early Tombak pieces are heavier than later zinc examples, are more seldom encountered, and generally retain the finish better than late war pieces. This one is no exception, as it retains about 90 percent of the original silver plating, with normal wear to the swastika and high points on the wreath and bow. The contrast between the gold-colored Tombak and the bright silvering creates a very appealing look. There is some dark toning to the original silver plating in a few spots. The reverse of the badge is deeply toned from age. The hardware features a block hinge and a catch soldered directly to the badge with no catch plate. There are no signs of repair, the badge is uncleaned and all original. It is unmarked. This Silver Wound Badge is a very appealing example, very high early quality, with a great look.
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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