Germany Awards - 1939 Wound Sign Struck in Gold (1st Uniform)

Adolf Hitler, as Führer and Reich Chancellor, instituted a new wound sign on September 1, 1939. This was equal to the wounded badge of World War I, except for the swastika on the steel helmet. In the early years, the sign was made hollow, as before (Fig.), only in 1940 the sign was massively made for the class of silver and gold. The requirements for awarding remained the same, but were supplemented by numerous additional provisions during the war. 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 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. Openwork badges are not donated copies, but privately purchased copies and are very rare.

Hollow embossed, openwork, oval sign made of gilded (also matte gilded) sheet of iron or non-ferrous metal. At the back is a vertical pin.

Front side:

Center
• on 2 crossed swords German steel helmet, front left
• Centered on a steel helmet is a swastika placed on top.
• The oval is formed from a laurel wreath connected from below, a loop from below.
• The space between wreath, steel helmet and swords is numbered.

Downside:

• Hollow embossed, vertical pin with clasp. Both flat and round needles are known.

Photos of www.militaria-berlin.de