GERMAN THIRD REICH "Verwundeten Abzeichen Schwarz" Wound Badge in Black
The "Verwundetenabzeichen" or Wound Badge was instituted on 1 September 1939. Essentially it was the reissue of a similar badge awarded in WW I. It was issued in 3 classes, these being Black, Silver & Gold. Suffering 1 or 2 wounds entitled a soldier for the Black Class. Three or four wounds, or loss of a hand, foot, eye or hearing regardless of number of wounds, entitled a soldier to the Silver Class, and five wounds or more (or fewer, resulting in total disability, permanent blindness, or "loss of manhood") qualified a soldier for the Gold Class. Preview this link Verwundetenabzeichen for additional background information on this award. This particular badge is in fantastic condition!