Cased “Wide Pin” - Wound Badge in Silver by 30

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Wound Badges > Silver

A “Wide Pin” - Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber (2. Form) mit Etui by 30 - Hauptmünzamt of Wien. Introduced September 1, 1939, the wound badge in silver was awarded to those who were wounded three or four times by hostile action (including air raids), or frostbitten in the line of duty. It is constructed out of a die struck zinc base that has been silver washed. The oval shaped obverse depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swastika, 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 full back reverse is maker marked: “30”, features the correct lathe marks and has a soldered-on catch, soldered-on nail head hinge and a tombak wide pin. The badge measures 1 3/4 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide. The award comes housed in its original issue case. The premium case is constructed out of a wood and pressed cardboard base, with a simulated, grained, maroon leatherette covering. The bottom interior of the case is a pressed cardboard base with a maroon spray on fibrous felt overlay that has a central hole which outlines the pin hinge and catch. To the back is a steel, staggered, piano hinge. The exterior shows the common scuffs. The underside is maker marked with a blue and white rectangular tag, which reads: “Hauptmünzamt Wien” The case measures 2 5/8 inches long and wide by 5/8 of an inch tall. This is the best of the best considering variation and assembly, for in a Silver Wound Badge.