World war II black wound badge

This is in fair condition, original paint is still visable.

It was ultimately one of the most common of all military decorations of Nazi Germany, yet also one of the most highly prized, since it was earned "as a mark of honour for all who have risked their lives for the Fatherland and have been wounded or maimed."

The badge had three classes:

• Black (3rd class, representing Iron), for those wounded once or twice by hostile action (including air raids), or frostbitten in the line of duty.
• Silver (2nd class) for being wounded three or four times, or suffering loss of a hand, foot or eye from hostile action (also partial loss of hearing), facial disfigurement or brain damage via hostile action.
• Gold (1st class, which could be awarded posthumously) for five or more times wounded, total blindness, "loss of manhood", or severe brain damage via hostile action.

Badges exist in pressed steel, brass and zinc, as well as some base metal privately commissioned versions. Those of the First World War were also produced in a cutout pattern