Towards the end of the Spanish civil war, several German soldiers were wounded prompted. This prompted Hitler to
reinstitute an award dating back to WWI, the wound badge. The year was 1939, the design of the badge was very similar
to that employed during the great war, the main difference being that the new badge sported a raised swastika on the helmet.
The Gold Wound badge is illustrated in this page. A soldier would be issued this award upon
receiving 5 or more wounds
during battle. Silver and Black Wound badges were also manufactured.
The Gold Wound medal was presented in a box which often did not have any depictions or markings. The same type
of presentation can be found for the Silver Wound badge. The box is black and the lid is attached to the body via
adhesive paper. The inside of the lid is made of black satin.
The box has a cutout made to fit the badge, normally this area is covered with a black cloth. The piece featured
here has plain cardboard.
Notice that the numbers in the back of the badge and the pin itself are matching (See pictures below). The
numbers are the only markings found on the badge.
The gold wound medal is currently being reproduced in large quantities. Unfortunately the quality of the reproductions
is getting better so it is more difficult to tell the real thing from the fake.
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