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W178m. 1939 Wound Badge, Black Grade Stickpin. Nice looking 1939 Wound Badge, Black Grade Stickpin measuring 8 by 9mm. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
W208. World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
W209. World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
W272. World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade, Catch-Gone. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade, Catch-Gone. See pictures...$ 35.00 (Pictures)
W279. World War One Wound Badge, Black Grade. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Black Grade. See pictures...$ 40.00 (Pictures)
W292. World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Silver Grade. See pictures...$ 80.00 (Pictures)
W307. 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "65". Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures)
W314. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade. Good looking brass-based, non-magnetic Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade also known as the First Pattern Wound Badge. See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures)
W359. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black-Grade. Good looking example. Non-magnetic. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) NEW
W369. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking example. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W384. 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "100". Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 85.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W390. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Silver-Grade. Good looking cupal Legion Condor Wound Badge, Silver-Grade, also known as the First Pattern Wound Badge. See pictures...$ 250.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W395. 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "65". Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W398. Cased 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "65". Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 175.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
W401. World War One Wound Badge, Black Grade. Nice looking magnetic steel-based World War One Wound Badge, Black Grade. See pictures...$ 45.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W408. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade. Good non-magnetic Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade also known as the First Pattern Wound Badge. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W412. Imperial German Naval Wound Badge, Black Grade. See pictures...$ 150.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
W415. Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade. Good looking magnetic Legion Condor Wound Badge, Black Grade also known as the First Pattern Wound Badge. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W417. 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "65". Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W419. Cased 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "107". Nice zinc example with a strong finish that rates at about 100 percent. Some tape repairs to case. See pictures...$ 195.00 (Pictures) JUST IN
W420. 1939 Wound Badge, Silver Grade. Nice zinc example. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
W428. Wound Badge, Silver Grade, by "100". Nice zinc example. Marked at base of catch. See pictures...$ 75.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
W430. Case for Wound Badge, Gold Grade, by "30" Marked to Vienna Mint. Later case without the metal hinge, shows use and some separation at corners. Marked to the Vienna mint at the bottom. See pictures...$ 60.00 (Pictures) JUST IN SOLD
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Historical Background
The German Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) has its origins in World War I, when it was instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II on March 3, 1918. It was designed to recognize soldiers who were wounded or suffered frostbite in the line of duty. The badge was reintroduced in a modified form by Adolf Hitler on September 1, 1939, for the German armed forces (Wehrmacht) and, later, for the Waffen-SS and auxiliary organizations. A special version, known as the Legion Condor Wound Badge, was created for German volunteers wounded during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). This earlier pattern, often referred to as the First Pattern Wound Badge, featured a swastika superimposed on a helmet and crossed swords within a laurel wreath, but the eagle was replaced with a swastika. The 1939 pattern restored the helmet and swords design, with a swastika on the helmet, and was awarded in three grades: Black, Silver, and Gold.
The Imperial German Navy also had its own version of the wound badge, awarded from 1918, which was identical to the army version but with a fouled anchor in place of the crossed swords. Naval wound badges are considerably rarer and highly sought after by collectors. The wound badge was one of the most common military decorations of Nazi Germany, with millions awarded by the end of World War II. It was worn on the left breast pocket, and recipients who earned higher grades were permitted to wear only the highest grade, though multiple awards were noted in the soldier’s records.
Grades and Award Criteria
The Wound Badge was issued in three grades, determined by the severity and number of wounds:
- Black (3rd Class) – awarded for one or two wounds, or for minor injuries such as frostbite or burns. It was the most common grade and was typically made of stamped steel or zinc with a black finish.
- Silver (2nd Class) – awarded for three or four wounds, or for the loss of a hand, foot, or eye, or for brain damage or facial disfigurement. Silver-grade badges were silver-washed or plated.
- Gold (1st Class) – awarded for five or more wounds, or for total disability, blindness, or severe brain damage. Gold-grade badges were gold-washed or plated, and often presented in a case.
Later in the war, with the increasing number of air raids, civilians were also eligible for the wound badge. A special "20 July 1944" version was created for those wounded in the assassination attempt on Hitler, but it is exceptionally rare. The badge could be awarded posthumously, and multiple wounds sustained in a single action counted as one for award purposes. The criteria were cumulative over the course of the war, so a soldier wounded once in 1940 and twice in 1943 would qualify for the Silver grade.
Design and Manufacturing Variations
The basic design of the 1939 Wound Badge is an oval, with a German steel helmet (M35 or M42, depending on the era) in the center, over two crossed swords, all within a laurel wreath. The reverse typically has a hinged pin and catch, though some early badges used a screw-back attachment. The badge was produced by numerous manufacturers, each identified by a Präsidialkanzlei (PKZ) code number, such as "65" (Klein & Quenzer), "100" (Rudolf Wächtler & Lange), and "107" (Carl Wild). These codes are usually stamped on the reverse, near the catch or pin. Other manufacturers included "30" (Hauptmünzamt Wien) and "L/" codes for private firms.
The materials used varied over time. Early badges were often made of tombak (a brass alloy) or cupal (copper-clad aluminum), with a high-quality finish. As the war progressed, cheaper materials like zinc and steel were used, and the finish tended to degrade more quickly. Magnetic badges are generally steel-based, while non-magnetic examples may be tombak, zinc, or cupal. The Legion Condor badges were usually made of brass or cupal, often with a higher level of craftsmanship. Collectors should be aware that reproductions are common, and original badges exhibit specific die characteristics and wear patterns. Some original badges also show field repairs, such as replaced catches or pins, which can affect their value but also add to their historical authenticity.
Collecting Wound Badges
Wound Badges are among the most popular and affordable Third Reich decorations for collectors, due to their wide availability and relative simplicity. However, the market is flooded with fakes, and even experienced collectors can be fooled. When examining a badge, look for sharp details, correct die flaws, proper hardware (hinge, pin, catch), and the correct maker marks. Be cautious of badges with artificially aged finishes or obvious casting marks.
Condition is a major factor in value. Badges with most of their original finish, undamaged enamel (if any), and a working pin and catch command higher prices. Cased examples, especially for Silver and Gold grades, are particularly desirable. The black-grade badges are the most common, while high-grade and early Legion Condor badges are rarer. Original award documents (Urkunden) and the paper packets in which badges were issued can also add to a collection’s value. For those interested in other German badges and medals, please see our sections on Army/Waffen-SS Badges, Kriegsmarine Badges, Luftwaffe Badges, and Membership Badges & Stickpins. We also maintain a general Medals and Badges page with a wide selection of items.
We are always interested in purchasing original Wound Badges and related items. If you have any for sale, please contact us using the information above. We strive to offer authentic, reasonably priced artifacts, and each item is described honestly, with any condition issues noted.