Pierced - Wound Badge in Silver

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A Verwundetenabzeichen für die Armee und Kolonialtruppen - durchbrochen - in Silber. 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 steel base that has been silver washed. 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. Purchased from the veteran’s family the group came with a note that it was shipped by a “Russell Landstorm” on July 25, 1945. The note is not included.