Original First World War Wound Badge in Black (Verwundetenabzeichen in Schwarz), awarded to German soldiers for being wounded in combat.
 
This is the brass version, originally black-painted, with the front paint now worn away from age and handling — giving it a striking authentic patina.
 
The details of the steel helmet, crossed swords, and laurel wreath remain clearly visible, and the reverse still shows its original wartime construction.