BACKGROUND: The wound badge was originally established on March 3^RD 1918 by King Wilhelm II to recognise the sacrifice of those wounded during WWI. The badge was instituted in three classes, of black, silver and gold with the class bestowed reflecting the number or severity of the wounds received. With the outbreak of WWII, on September 1^ST 1939, Hitler reinstituted a slightly modified version of the badge. The badge was awarded to both military and uniformed non-military personnel and later to civilian personnel who received wounds as a result of enemy actions. The gold badge was the highest of the three classes and was awarded for five or more wounds, or if the individual was totally disabled. It was also awarded posthumously if the individual was killed in battle.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: 1939 pattern, die struck zinc construction, solid backed badge with a gilt wash features an embossed M35 pattern helmet with a high relief, canted, swastika to the center superimposed over crossed swords on a pebbled background field, encompassed by an embossed, vertically oval laurel leaf wreath. The badge retains some of its original, faded, gilt wash. Pin and  catch all intact. The reverse is well marked with the embossed manufacturers numerical code, "127", indicating manufacture by Moritz Hausch A.G. of Pforzheim. Scarce maker.