The wound badge was originally established on March 3, 1918 by Kaiser Wilhelm II to recognize those wounded during WWI. The badge came in three classes, black, silver and gold with the class bestowed reflecting the number or severity of the wounds suffered. On May 22, 1939 Hitler re-instituted a slightly modified version of the wound badge by adding a swastika. With the outbreak of WWII Hitler once again altered the badge by making the helmet at center resemble more closely the Model 1935 helmet then in use. The badge was awarded to both military and uniformed non-military personnel and in March 1943 to civilian personnel who received wounds as a result of enemy action. The black wound badge was the lowest of the three classes and was awarded for one or two wounds.

This badge is of die stamped, sheet metal construction with a hollow back and covered in a black wash. The obverse is embossed with a vertical oval laurel wreath surrounding a Model 1935 helmet with a canted swastika superimposed at center over crossed swords on a pebbled field. The original black wash is approx. 98% intact.

The reverse of the badge has a hinge holding a thin, round, pin and catch which operates properly.

Item has some minor scattered surface dirt and minor rust spots on reverse. Just needs a good cleaning.  [ad]

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