The Wound Badge in Black from 1939 represents a significant military decoration of the German Reich during World War II. This specific example was manufactured by Eugen Schmidthäußler in Pforzheim, identifiable by the reverse marking “E.S.P.” (Eugen Schmidthäußler, Pforzheim). The execution in zinc corresponds to typical production methods of the later war years.

The Wound Badge was instituted on September 1, 1939, the day war began, by Adolf Hitler and replaced the corresponding decoration from World War I. The legal foundation was established by the Regulation on the Institution of a Wound Badge dated September 1, 1939. This decoration was awarded in three grades: Black for one to two wounds, Silver for three to four wounds, and Gold for five or more wounds or in cases of particularly severe injuries such as loss of limbs or eyesight.

The black grade was the most frequently awarded variant and was given to soldiers who were wounded in combat or suffered injuries through combat actions. Frostbite on the Eastern Front or other combat-related health damages could also qualify for the award. The badge could be worn on the left breast of the uniform and was one of the few decorations that could also be worn on civilian clothing.

Eugen Schmidthäußler operated a workshop in Pforzheim, the traditional German jewelry and bijouterie city, for the manufacture of military decorations. Pforzheim had established itself as a center of the jewelry industry in the 19th century, and during World War II, numerous local firms produced orders and insignia for the Wehrmacht. The manufacturer's mark “E.S.P.” on the reverse of the badge served quality control and traceability of production.

The use of zinc as material is characteristic of the later war years, when resource scarcity forced manufacturers to resort to cheaper and more readily available materials. Earlier examples were often made from higher-quality metals. Zinc versions often show a more matte surface and are more prone to corrosion than their predecessors made from other materials.

The design of the Wound Badge features a steel helmet M35 over two crossed swords, surrounded by a laurel wreath. This symbolism combines military strength (helmet and swords) with the ancient symbol of victory and honor (laurel wreath). The badge measures approximately 48 x 38 mm and was attached to the uniform by means of a pin.

The award practice was strictly regulated. According to the Regulation of September 1, 1939, the wound had to be confirmed by a medical certificate. The award was made by the unit commander, and the recipient received a certificate of possession in addition to the badge itself. Interestingly, the Wound Badge was automatically awarded and did not need to be applied for once the requirements were met.

The condition rating “2-” indicates a well-preserved example that shows signs of use but no serious damage. For zinc versions, such a state of preservation is remarkable, as this material is particularly susceptible to oxidation and material fatigue.

From a historical perspective, the Wound Badge documents the immense human suffering of World War II. Millions of these decorations were awarded, illustrating the high casualties of the Wehrmacht. Today, these objects are important witnesses to military history and are preserved in museums and collections to commemorate the horrors of war.

The city of Pforzheim itself was approximately 80 percent destroyed by a devastating air raid on February 23, 1945, with many production facilities and workshops being annihilated. This makes examples from Pforzheim manufacturers from the late war period relatively rare documents of local industrial and war history.