Description
Germany, Third Reich – Silver Grade Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen in Silber), Early First Pattern
This is an authentic Third Reich German Wound Badge in Silver (2nd Class), awarded to personnel who were wounded three or four times as a result of enemy action. The Silver grade ranked above the Black Wound Badge and below the Gold grade, reflecting repeated combat injuries.
This example represents an early first-pattern issue, manufactured from stamped sheet metal, consistent with early wartime production before material economies altered construction methods. The badge retains the classic design featuring a steel helmet over crossed swords, symbolizing frontline sacrifice and endurance.
The reverse is maker marked “88”, identifying production by Werner Redo of Saarlautern, an established and well-documented manufacturer of Wound Badges. Badges by Werner Redo are characteristically marked with the “88” stamp, typically located on the reverse near the helmet, and are widely recognized by collectors for their correct early-war form and quality.
The Silver Wound Badge was worn on the lower left breast of the uniform, positioned beneath other decorations and below combat badges in the order of wear.
A desirable early-war example with clear maker attribution, this Silver Grade Wound Badge represents an important and historically significant German combat award, well suited to an advanced World War II militaria collection.
