The wound badge was issued in three classes: Black, silver and gold.

The criteria for earning the award follows:

The design consists of an oval shape with a wreath surrounding its perimeter. The area inside the wreath has heavy pebbling. The profile of a German helmet (Type M-35) is placed in the center of the badge. A swastka is positioned in the center of the helmet. A pair of crossed swords is located behind the helmet. The shape is stamped so it is raised in the front. The back is solid and smooth. A vertical pin is provided to secure the badge to the tunic of the owner. This was accomplished by putting the pin through a series of loops (two or more) that were sewn to the breast area of the jacket. The pin is hinged on one end and has a catch on the other.

The award was issued in a box. Black in color. The lid is hinged to one end via the use of metal hinges. When the box is in the open position, the hinges cannot be seen from the inside of the box because a section of cloth is provided to hide them. A button activated latch is built to the opposite end of the hinges. This mechanism secured the lid shut when in the closed position.

The inside of the box has a cutout made to fit the back portion of the badge, normally this area is covered with a black felt cloth. The piece featured here is missing that feature. It consists of plain cardboard.

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The back of the gold wound badge is normally marked. However, there may be instances where this did not occur. The example shown here has two markings. One is placed on the body itself. The other is located in the pin. Notice that both numbers match (See pictures below). This indicates that the pin and badge were manufactured at the same factory and at the same time.

Markings that are this extensive normally were applied to higher end badges.

This award is currently being reproduced. It is becoming more difficult to be able to tell the fake ones from the real ones because the quality of the reproductions is improving. The collector must become familiarized with the construction style and materials employed in the manufacturing of this badge. Attention to the details is critical in order to be able to determine the authenticity of the badge.