Germany - Set of 2 World War I Veteran and Wound Badges
Key Information:
• Country: Germany
• Period: World War I and post-WWI veteran organizations
• Set of 2 badges
Badge 1:
• German Veteran Association badge
• Maker: Paul Küst, Berlin C19
• Approx. dimensions (without ribbon): 38.05 × 30.19 mm
Badge 2:
• WWI Wound Badge – Black Class
• Instituted 1918
• Approx. dimensions: 44.41 × 38.84 mm
Medal Design
Badge 1 – Veteran Association Badge
Obverse:
• Imperial crown above crossed swords, rifles and military equipment
• Banner with inscription: “Deutscher Kriegerbund 1873”
English translation: “German Veterans League 1873.”
Reverse inscription: PAUL KÜST BERLIN C19
Translation: Name and location of the badge manufacturer in Berlin.
Badge 2 – Wound Badge
Obverse:
• German steel helmet over crossed swords
• Laurel wreath surrounding the helmet
Symbolizing wounds received in combat during World War I.
Condition
• Original ribbons present
• Age wear and light surface marks
• Normal patina consistent with age
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance
The Wound Badge (Verwundetenabzeichen) was introduced in 1918 by Kaiser Wilhelm II and awarded to soldiers wounded during World War I.
Veteran association badges such as the Paul Küst Berlin examples were worn by members of German veteran organizations during the Weimar Republic period, representing the strong post-war military veteran culture in Germany.
Summary
A collectible pair of German WWI related badges, including the classic 1918 Black Wound Badge and a German veteran association badge by Paul Küst of Berlin, representing the military heritage and veteran organizations of post-World War I Germany.