This is a nice example of a maker marked black wound badge (Verwundeten Abzeichen in Schwarz). With the outbreak of World War 2, on 1 September 1939, Hitler re-instituted a slightly modified version of the wound badge by altering the WWI pattern helmet on the badge to the newly designed M35 style helmet. The badge was awarded to both military and uniformed non-military personnel and later, (March 1943), to civilian personnel who received wounds as a result of enemy actions. The black wound badge was the lowest of the three classes and was awarded for one or two wounds. This is a magnetic steel example. The badge is nicely maker marked with number 'L55' indicating production by the company of 'Wächtler & Lange' in Mittweida. The pin and catch are complete and functional. Hard to find original example in very good condition, missing in most Wound Badge collections!