Pierced - Wound Badge in Black

Germany > German Empire > Awards & Medals >

A Verwundetenabzeichen für die Armee und Kolonialtruppen - durchbrochen - in Schwartz. Instituted March 3, 1918, by the Prussian King Wilhelm II and later adopted by the Bavarian King Ludwig III, the Imperial Wound Badge was awarded to those who bled for the Fatherland or lost their health to enemy action in the war zone and thus became incapable of service. The black was awarded for first or second wounds, silver third and fourth, gold fifth and subsequent. It is constructed out of a die stamped tombak base that has been black enamel painted. The oval shaped obverse depicts an embossed M16 Imperial helmet which is above two crossed broad swords, with a “cut-out” background, surrounded by a laurel leaf and beery wreath that is tied together at the bottom with a bow tie. The hollow back reverse features a soldered-on well working pin, hinge and catch assembly. It measures 1 1/2 inches wide by 1 5/8 inches tall. Beautiful.