Black Wound Badge by L/52

German WWII > Awards and Medals > Wound Badges > Black

A private purchase Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz (2. Form) 1939 by C.F. Zimmermann from Pforzheim. Instituted September 1, 1939, the black wound badge was awarded to those who were wounded once or twice by hostile action (including air raids), or frostbitten in the line of duty. It is constructed out of a die stamped tombak base that has been black enamel painted and lacquered. The oval shaped obverse depicts an embossed profile of a mobile swastika, above an M35 pattern helmet, which is again above two crossed broad swords. This all 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 hollow back reverse is tamped L/52, it features; a soldered-on round wire catch, soldered-on block hinge and round wire pin. They are all non-magnetic and remain in well working condition. It shows its copper flash coating. It measures 1 3/4 inches high by 1 1/2 inches wide.