Original Item: Only One Available. This is a lovely tarnished maker marked and cased silver wound badge by Main Mint of Vienna. The badge itself is a very early example, and looks to be made from a die struck solid Brass or Tombac alloy that has been washed with real silver, which is now tarnished. Later examples would be made from cheaper zinc. The oval badge depicts an embossed profile of a mobile Swas, above an M35 pattern 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 reverse features a solid back and is maker marked with Präsidialkanzlei des Führers Lieferant (Presidential Chancellery Supplier) number 30 on the ring, which represents the firm Hauptmunzamt, Wien (Main Mint, Vienna), a known maker of this award during the early period. We have had very few items by this maker.

The pin, hinge and catch are all intact and in well-working condition. The silver wash on this example is quite good, with more than 90% of the front intact, with the back retaining the plating almost completely. The badge measures 1.75 inches high by 1.5 inches wide, and is in very good condition.

The included case box is the standard type, with an inlet velvet plush bottom. The case has a fabric hinge on the back, which is still intact and fully functional. It is really in good shape, and shows no major damage.

A very nice early example from a rare maker, complete with the original case and ready to add to your collection!

The German Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) 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.