Original Item: Only One Available. The Condor Legion (German: Legion Condor) was a unit composed of volunteers from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) and from the German Army (Wehrmacht Heer) which served with the Nationalists during the Spanish Civil War of July 1936 to March 1939. The Condor Legion developed methods of terror bombing which were used widely in the Second World War shortly afterwards. The bombing of Guernica was the most infamous operation carried out by the Condor Legion. Hugo Sperrle commanded the unit's aircraft formations and Wilhelm Ritter von Thoma commanded the ground element.

This is lovely example of a German WWII Second Class Silver grade Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen 2. Klasse in Silber), as issued to the members of the Condor Legion. It is constructed from stamped brass which has been silver washed. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swas (hook cross), above an M1916 Pattern "Stahlhelm" helmet, which is above two crossed broad swords. This then 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 earlier pattern helmet and slightly more "round" shape to the badge are definitive for examples issued during the Pre-WWII period for service in the Spanish civil war.

The pin, folded "barrel" hinge and bent wire catch are all of brass and in intact and in working condition. The silver wash remains in good condition on both sides, showing some wear through to the brass base material on the raised areas. There is some wear to the wreath on the obverse, as well as on the edges of the helmet. The badge measures 1 3/4 inches high by 1 9 1/6 inches wide.

Overall this is a great lightly used example with a lovely look! Ready to display!

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 swas on the center of the World War One era helmet.

At the outbreak of war in September 1939 with Poland, Adolf AH 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.