Description: Original Nazi 2nd class wound badge with silver wash. This badge is of the injection molded type with an integral hinge and catch. Maker marked 65, denoting manufacture by the firm of "Klein & Quenzer". All W.W.II examples of the wound badge display the German helmet sitting upon crossed swords, surmounted with a swastika. The entire badge is circumvented by a laurel leaf wreath.

History: The German wound badge was first introduced in World War I and was designed by Kaiser Wilhelm II. They came in three grades: III class in black, II class in silver, and I class in gold. Each representing the number of times one was wounded or maimed.The W.W.I examples were designed with a Model 1915 style German helmet centered within a laurel leaf wreath, the helmet sitting upon crossed swords. These badges could either be struck with a solid background or the background could be cut out.In 1936, W.W.I type wound badges were issued to members of the "Legion Kondor" who fought for Spain during the Spanish Revolution (1936/38). These badges were re-worked and had a swastika struck into the helmet. In 1939 the badge was officially reintroduced and changed to represent the new Model 1935 helmet and retaining the swastika.

Provenance: N/A

Dimensions: Weight (Pounds & Ounces) = 0.125 | Height(in) = 2.5 | Width(in) = 2.25 | Depth(in) = 0.5

Size of Artwork(in): 1.25 x .50 x .25"

Artist Name: Klein & Quenzer

Medium: Zinc, steel.

Circa: 1939/45

Very good condition. Still retains all of the silver wash on the obverse side with only some loss to the reverse.