1906

The Highly Scarce Black Wound Badge of 20 July 1944, as Issued to Vice Admiral Hans-Erich Voss

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:3,000.00 USD Estimated At:7,000.00 - 15,000.00 USD
The Highly Scarce Black Wound Badge of 20 July 1944, as Issued to Vice Admiral Hans-Erich Voss
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Estimate: $7000 - 15000
Established following the 20 July Plot, in which a bomb planted by Claus von Stauffenberg detonated in the conference room of the Rasterburg Headquarters, the 20 July Wound Badge was only issued to the men who were present for the blast. In keeping with the arrangement of the standard badge, the 20 July badge was issued in black, silver and gold, based on the number and severity of wounds, and could be later upgraded for injuries suffered in the future; in the case of Admiral Voss, at the time of the bombing he qualified for the black badge, and before war's end had earned the gold, making him the only one to receive all three of these scarce badges. Graduating the Naval Academy in 1917, Voss served through the Weimar-era and into the Nazi-era, eventually being promoted from command of the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen to the Naval Liaison Officer to Hitler's headquarters in 1943. It was this appointment that placed him in the room with the bomb, which inflicted minor wounds. Voss was among the officers present in the Berlin Fuhrerbunker during the final days of the war, and was captured by the Soviets during the escape attempt. Held as a prisoner of war, he was sentenced to 25 years imprisonment, but was released to the German Democratic Republic in 1954. Silver construction, with the wreath, swords and helmet darkened and the background left bright, with "20.JULI/ 1944" and Hitler's signature below the helmet, and the rear of the badge marked "800/2" under the clasp. Included with the badge is a leather lined case. With a letter from William O. Stump of Stump Armament dated 2 July 1969, who attests that he acquired this item and verified it's authenticity via correspondence from Admiral Voss himself.
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Condition: Excellent, with a dark color on the proper areas, brightening slightly on the edges, showing attractive contrast with the background. A small amount of unknown residue is present on the hinge. Case shows light external wear. One of the most scare items in the field of Nazi paraphernalia, and more than worthy of a place of honor in any collection of 20th Century military items.