UBB.threads Forums Uniform & Accessories Imperial German Uniforms, Orders, and Decorations Opinions Please on WWI Gold Wound Badge

Is this badge authentic? I just started collecting WWI medals and badges. Can anyone give me any more information on this badge if authentic?

Thanks in advance.
Ed

Ed,

Can't tell you all the ins-and-outs of collecting wound badges, though, this one looks correct to me. I don't see any glaring errors with the pin-assembly components, but just having a 'good-feeling' about a medal or badge doesn't make it original. Never just go on so-and-so's word, unless you know that person is an expert on a given subject.

Do you have some collecting references in your library? I know one of the primers on wound badges is by William Hamelman, and there must be lots of other books and articles on the subject. If you plan on collecting these badges or medals or anything else in a serious manner, grab some of these references. A place like Amazon Books will definitely have some titles that address these subjects. I think it's best to know why something's real or not, with our own confidence. I know that's not always possible but I think it's a fair rule-of-thumb in general. Know what to look for, or it could cost you an additional bit of cash.

Best of luck!

Bill

Hi Bill,

I just saw your reply....sorry I'm so late in responding back to you....but thank you for your response and the information.
Very helpful.

I have a lot of WWII militaria references but none specifically on WWI or Wound Badges. I'll check out the one you suggested.

Thanks again.
Ed

Ed,

Your most welcome and I wish you much success with collecting.

Bill

Hi- I know this is a slightly old thread, but thought I'd answer. The badge is not a gold grade, the gold color is the brass color that was under the original finish. At first I thought it was originally a black grade badge but looking at the pin and the helmet, it looks like there are traces of the original silver colored plating. In my photo you can see various grades and colors. Notice some are steel based while others have a brass or tombac base under the finish. As a side note, I've only seen gold grade WWI wound badges with painted finishes, but I don't claim to be an expert.

Tim,

Thanks for the additional photos and thoughts on the badges. I found your comment about the gold finishes being painted very interesting, I never considered that before. Do you think they primarily used a lacquer-base paint for the coating? I would have thought some were electro-plated in a kind of soupy, gold-metallic mixture? You bring up an excellent point, I'd certainly appreciate hearing more on the subject.

As an aside ... my father told me when he got his WWII gold wound badge in the field near Leningrad, his top-sergeant gave him his old black badge with all the paint worn off and buffed up a bit. He said he liked that one much better than the official gold version he eventually received, more sentimental value to it.

Best!

Bill

Tim, Bill;
I am certainly far from an expert in the area of wound badges but as an accessory to my Imperial Navy collection I have all three grades of Navy Wound Badges. These are all original and near mint to mint condition. I got them from Helmut Weitze. With that trusted source, the gold grade is an electroplated gold. It is a matte finish, very attractive and well done in the manner that Bill mentions. However, I have seen some that seem to have a kind of gold "paint" as Tim you point out and wondered if they were original or not. It seems this gold "paint" wears rather easily I would surmise given the condition I have seen them in. Issued vs. private purchase? Repros vs. original?

Rick,

Thanks for posting your observations on these gilded finishes. It's an interesting topic even if we don't specialize in them, something good to know. Since we're talking about a multitude of producers/makers, I'd imagine there are quite a few variations in coating methods and techniques.

I contacted a friend who's knowledgeable on imperial wound badges and he's like-minded, that several types of gold coatings are to be found on a variety of base-metals. As you also point out, "what about private jeweler-made examples?" Some of those must exist too? It'd be great to hear/see if anyone has a genuine private-purchase, example.

By the way, do you play or collect Fender guitars? I always enjoyed the sounds that Hendrix could get from those things.

Best!

Bill

Hi guys,

I did say "I'm not an expert" Maybe "matte" would have been a better description on my part. The gold badges I've come across seem to all have a matte finish compared to the nickel silvered or black versions. The original badge posted is showing its base metal that originally had a silver color finish that's since been worn off. In my personal experience I've never seen a gold grade badge with a brass type base and/or a "glossy" finish.

Tim,

A few additional badges ,,, some with the matte, paint-type finishes and some that look glossy/shiny. (electro-plated?)

B~

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