Original German WWII Gold Wound Badge by B.H. Mayer of Pforzheim in Original Case Box Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a fine maker marked gold wound badge with original case box by B. H. Mayer’s Kunst-prägeanstalt (art stamping institution), located in Pforzheim. It is constructed out of a die struck, zinc-alloy base that has been gold washed. 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 full back and is maker marked 26 (B. H. Mayer, Pforzeim). The steel pin, stamped hinge and stamped catch are all intact and in well-working condition. The gold wash unfortunately is mostly gone, as they were mercury gilt, which “evaporates” over time. The pin however still retains a large amount of the gilding. The badge measures 1.75 inches high by 1.5 inches wide. Overall this is an excellent piece.

Also included is the original presentation box in black, with a white cloth interior. The back is marked on the bottom in a rectangle with B.H. Mayer / Pforzheim. A great example of an original cased wound badge.

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.