Product Details
A GERMAN WOUND BADGE IN BLACK AND A WAR MERIT CROSS WITH SWORDS SECOND CLASS,
both World War II production, the first of hollow stamped construction with brooch pin fastener, the design being a German Military helmet with raised swastika over crossed swords, surrounded by a laurel wreath, remaining in fine order with its paper packet of issue, the second of Maltese cross form bisected with broad-swords with a raised swastika to the center, some tarnish but retaining its paper packet of issue (torn)
Provenance: The wound badge was re-instituted by Adolf Hitler on September 1st 1939 to reward troops honourably wounded. It was available in three grades, Black (for two or more wounds), Silver (for three to five wounds or loss of limb) and Gold (for five or more wounds or permanent disablement). Disability through illness did not count unless it was frostbite.
The War Merit Cross with Swords was another medal designed by Professor Richard Klein (see Lot 362 in this sale), and was again available in a number of different classes, all with the idea of making a non-combatants version of the 'Iron Cross'. The versions with 'swords' were awarded for acts of bravery not in the face of the enemy and became one of the most prolific medals with over 6,000,000 awarded.
Estimate £30-50