1939 Black Wound Badge by E.S.P.
Price: $125
BUY / RESERVE THIS ITEMDescription:. This is a nice & scarce example of a Black Wound Badge by E.S.P. (Eugen Schmidthausser, Pforzheim), a desirable maker. Nearly all of the original slightly glossy black paint is retained on both the front and reverse. It has a nice, crisp “E.S.P.” maker mark on the reverse, indicating manufacture by ‘Eugen Schmidthausser, Pforzheim’. The badge is not magnetic, being stamped alloy. The badges by this maker are heavier and somewhat thicker than most others being 5mm thick. The hardware features a Tombak hinge & pin assembly and steel hook clasp, uniquely crimped into place (see pics). These E.S.P. maker marked Badges are uncommon and scarce. 44 x 37mm & 20 grams.
Background: 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. 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, it was once again reinstated. 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, loss of sight, total disability, or death.
