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WWII German Wound Badge in Silver – Maker 92 Josef Rücker & Sohn

This Wound Badge in Silver maker 92 is an original-style Second World War German Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber, manufactured by Josef Rücker & Sohn of Gablonz.The obverse displays the standard Second Pattern design with a German steel helmet bearing a raised swastika, crossed swords and a stippled background, all enclosed by an oval laurel wreath.Despite substantial age-related surface wear, the badge retains good definition to the helmet, swords, wreath and central details. More importantly, the reverse carries the desirable “92” maker mark, which identifies the manufacturer as Josef Rücker & Sohn.

Wound Badge in Silver Maker 92

The Wound Badge in Silver maker 92 was manufactured by Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz.Ratisbon’s records multiple original examples carrying the same “92” marking and identifies the maker as Josef Rücker & Sohn. Their archive also confirms zinc construction and a silver finish on comparable badges. https://www.ratisbons.comThis makes the visible maker mark particularly useful for both identification and authentication.

Obverse Construction and Detail

The front of this Wound Badge in Silver maker 92 shows the characteristic oval form of the 1939 award.A German steel helmet dominates the centre. The raised swastika remains clearly defined, while crossed swords appear behind the helmet.The background displays a finely textured stippled surface. Around the edge sits a laurel wreath tied at the top and bottom.The original silver finish has worn considerably across the raised areas. However, darker finish remains in the recesses, creating strong contrast and preserving the badge’s aged appearance.

Reverse and Maker Mark

The reverse is flat and displays extensive age toning and oxidation.At the lower reverse, the circular catch plate is clearly stamped:92This maker code is attributed to Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz.The vertical fastening system consists of an upper block-style hinge, a long pin and lower retaining catch.The pin remains present, while the reverse surface shows substantial age-related wear consistent with a zinc badge whose plated finish has degraded over time.Comparable Ratisbon’s examples display the same broad pin arrangement and maker attribution. https://www.ratisbons.com

Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz

Josef Rücker & Sohn was one of the manufacturers associated with German decorations during the Second World War.The company is well known among collectors for maker code 92, which appears on surviving Wound Badges and other period awards.Ratisbon’s specifically identifies maker 92 examples as products of Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz. https://www.ratisbons.comTherefore, unlike many unmarked Wound Badges, this example can be confidently catalogued by maker.

Historical Background

The Wound Badge 1939 was instituted on 1 September 1939 and recognised German military personnel wounded as a result of enemy action.Three principal grades existed:

• Black – normally for one or two wounds
• Silver – normally for three or four wounds
• Gold – normally for five or more wounds or particularly serious injury

The Wound Badge in Silver therefore represented a significant level of battlefield injury.The design continued the basic concept of the First World War wound badge while introducing the 1939 helmet-and-swastika motif.

Condition

This Wound Badge in Silver maker 92 remains in good, honest collector condition.The obverse retains clear helmet, swastika, sword and wreath detail. Considerable silver finish loss is visible, particularly on the higher surfaces.The reverse shows extensive age toning and oxidation. Nevertheless, the important 92 maker mark remains clearly readable.The pin and hinge are present, while the catch arrangement remains attached.I would not clean or polish this badge. Removing the darkened patina would reduce both its historical appearance and collector appeal.

Authentication Assessment

The current photographs show several encouraging features:The overall die pattern is consistent with known Wound Badge construction, the reverse exhibits appropriate zinc ageing, the fastening system appears compatible with period construction, and most importantly, the 92 maker mark corresponds with documented Josef Rücker & Sohn examples.Ratisbon’s has sold multiple “92” marked Silver Wound Badges and consistently attributes them to Josef Rücker & Sohn. https://www.ratisbons.comFor catalogue purposes I would describe this as:Original WWII German Wound Badge in Silver, 2nd Pattern – maker 92, Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz.As always, exact dimensions and weight would strengthen the authentication record further.

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Specifications

Award: Wound Badge in Silver German: Verwundetenabzeichen 1939 in Silber Pattern: 2nd Pattern Period: Second World War Grade: Silver Maker: Josef Rücker & Sohn Maker code: 92 Location: Gablonz Material: Zinc Finish: Silver plated / silver-coloured finish Construction: Solid Fastening: Vertical pin, hinge and catch Condition: Good original condition with substantial finish wear and age patinIFront photograph: c front

Internal / Inbound Links

For Nordmenn I would add:Explore more original German combat awards in our Awards, Medals and Badges collection.Link Awards, Medals and Badges to the relevant Nordmenn category page.Then add:View our other original German Wound Badges and military decorations for further maker and construction comparisons.Link German Wound Badges to the most relevant internal Wound Badge category or product collection on Nordmenn.

Outbound References

Use Ratisbon’s as the strongest direct maker reference. Their archive identifies maker 92 as Josef Rücker & Sohn, Gablonz and documents zinc Silver Wound Badges from this manufacturer. https://www.ratisbons.comOne particularly useful Ratisbon’s example sold in May 2025 and was described as solid zinc with very well-preserved silvering and maker 92. https://www.ratisbons.comAn earlier Ratisbon’s example was also identified as Josef Rücker, maker 92, and noted as a harder-to-find variation. https://www.ratisbons.com