German Awards - Wound Badge for 1918 Army and Colonial Troops in Silver - Pierced

The openwork sign depicted here for a wound in silver is a piece privately obtained in trade. Those borrowed could buy second or spare parts to their liking in the trade. Articles of various materials such as iron, non-ferrous metal or silver have been proposed. Pieces with a needle or screw disc were sold, full or, as here, punched. The execution and material determined the purchase price.
The badge "For wounding" was awarded on March 3, 1918 by the king and emperor William II. donated. On July 8, 1918, the circle of persons eligible for admission was expanded to colonial troops. This badge was established in recognition of servicemen who were injured in hostilities by the enemy or who became incapacitated as a result of injury. The badge was also adopted by the Bavarian king Ludwig III for the Bavarian army.
The wound sign was awarded in 3 stages. For 1-2 times, wounds were issued in black. Soldiers who were wounded 3 and 4 times received a badge in silver (also matte white). For 5 times and multiple wounds, the sign was awarded in gold. After World War I, it was announced in 24.12.1918 that there would be no more Prussian orders. However, the sign "For wounding" was excluded from this. On April 1, 1919, the circle of commissioners was expanded to freikorps involved in restoring order. Further expansions took place in 1939 for the annexed Austria and Memelandia, as well as in 1941 for the annexed eastern territories.
From January 30, 1936, higher degrees could be awarded with less frequent injuries, if this was justified by the severity of the injury or even injury.
The badge could also be worn on civilian clothing. There are various options that differ in the shape of the helmet, the size of the loop and the length of the swords. In the trade of that time, silver versions were distributed in the form of a miniature or screw disk. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen before 1945, vol. IV, 2001.

Hollow embossed, oval, openwork sign made of silver-plated iron sheet. At the back is a vertical pin.

Front side:

Center
• on 2 crossed swords German steel helmet, front left
• The oval is formed from a laurel wreath connected from below, a loop from below.
• The gap between the wreath, steel helmet and swords is broken.

Downside:

• Hollow embossed, vertical, thin pin with a mating hook. Both flat and round needles are known.