1939 Silver Wound Badge- by Hauptmünzamt-Wien (30)
Price: $125
BUY / RESERVE THIS ITEMDescription:.Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber by Hauptmünzamt-Wien; Injection molded, solid back fein-zinc award. The standard issue, 1939 pattern badge is in the form of an embossed, vertically oval, laurel leaf wreath encompassing an embossed M35 pattern helmet with high relief, canted, swastika to the center, superimposed over crossed swords on a pebbled base field. The smooth, solid reverse has a thin round vertical steel pin and an integral, molded, hinge and catch all intact. The reverse is well marked with embossed manufacturer’s numerical code, “30”, indicating manufacture by Hauptmünzamt, Wien. Badge’s overall finish remains at +90%. Exceptional for a zinc badge like this.
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 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.
