Original German Wound Badge Black by L/56 Funcke & Branigans, Lüdenscheid
SKU: 888
Original/Reproduction: Original
Availability: In-stock
Manufacturer: L/56 Funcke & Branigans, Lüdenscheid
Material: blackened made of stamped brass metal
Dimensions: 36.93 mm (w) x 44.26 mm (h), weighing 10.3 grams
Weight: 10.3 grams
Condition: Excellent
Price: $150.00
Seller Type: WW2C
Seller ID: JMW
Seller Code: PS50
Return Policy: 3-day inspection and return policy on used guns and accessories.
Description:
Original German WW2 Black Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz) L/56, maker mark for Funcke & Brüninghaus, Wehrmacht, German World War II military award, WW2, Military, Wehrmacht, German military, WWII.
Historical Background
Wound Badge (Second World War)
The Wound Badge was awarded to military personnel who were wounded or injured as a result of enemy action. The Second World War version was instituted on September 1, 1939 and thus continues the tradition of the Wound Badge from World War I.
The badge was issued in three principal grades:
- Black – generally awarded for one or two qualifying wounds.
- Silver – generally awarded for three or four qualifying wounds, or for certain severe injuries.
- Gold – generally awarded for five or more qualifying wounds or particularly serious permanent injuries.
It should be noted that the Black Wound Badge denoted a soldier’s documented experience of wounds, sustained whilst fighting in a war, and thus it was worn by many soldiers, serving in all the German Armed Forces, during World War II.
Design & Construction
The badge follows the standard vertically oval design of the Wound Badge surrounded by a laurel wreath. The Military Helmet, between the crossed Swords, is raised to give good relief. The wreath is also of good quality and follows the standard design.
To the reverse of the badge is attached the standard pin and catch to enable attachment to military uniform.
The L/56 factory code for this decoration is of particular interest to the collector as it is a L-number code within the Leistungsgemeinschaft der Deutschen Ordenshersteller (LDO) system of L-numbered manufacturer’s codes used by the German decorations industry of the period. L/56 Funcke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid, another well-known German manufacturer of badges and military decorations of the period.
Condition
The condition of the badge is excellent. The original black finish has worn to show the underlying material. This is to be expected as the badge was issued and worn on uniform and thus subject to the rigors of military service.
The badge shows good quality. All details on the helmet, the swords and in the wreath are well defined. There is no major damage. Some minor signs of wear and age are present and can be expected for a badge of this age.
The reverse of this magnificent Black Wound Badge retains its period attachment hardware in the form of a traditional pin and catch to securely attach to the recipient’s tunic. The clearly identifiable L/56 maker marking to the reverse further adds to the collectability of this quality Black Wound Badge.
Collector Significance
Collectors of German wartime decorations are especially interested in examples that carry the maker’s mark. Here the Lüdenscheid maker’s mark of L/56 can be identified as having been made by the well established German manufacturer Funcke & Brüninghaus. Lüdenscheid was an important center of German metalware production, including of course insignia, medals, etc. during World War II and included a number of well established manufacturers.
This L/56 Funcke & Brüninghaus Black Wound Badge will make a great addition to any German military award collection, Wehrmacht decoration, German maker marked military badges or other historical World War II military artifacts.
Highlights
- Authentic World War II German military decoration
- 1939-pattern Black Wound Badge
- German designation: Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz
- L/56 maker marked
- L/56 attributed to Funcke & Brüninghaus, Lüdenscheid
- Classic helmet and crossed-swords design
- Laurel-wreath border
- Original-style reverse pin and catch attachment
- Strong, well-defined details
- Attractive surviving black finish
- Excellent overall condition
- Desirable maker-marked example
- Excellent display piece for an advanced WWII German militaria collection
A very nice Black Wound Badge of good historic significance, with a very nice black finish, made by a well-known Lüdenscheid manufacturer, the Funcke & Brüninghaus company, maker marked L/56.
