Black wound badge 81?

[Henri S]

Hi

I've seen reference to this wound badge as being an 81, but I cannot find the mark. Maybe somebody can help.

Front:

[Henri S]

Back:

[Tom Yanacek]

Hello,

If your Wound Badge is indeed a '81' (Overhoff & Cie), then the maker mark should be easy to see. When looking at the reverse, it should be in relief (raised numbers) on the lower left part of the helmet. The numbers are fairly large. Your badge might just be one that is unmarked. Also, the type of hinge and catch on your badge was also used by Alois Rettenmaier '16' marked badges and on some Klein & Quenzer '65' marked badges. These markings would also be in relief, fairly large, and in the same general area of the reverse. In addition to these three firms, there were most likely other firms that used this time-saving hinge and catch setup as well. Some firms did use some small markings, so check the entire reverse of your badge, including the pin, with a 10x magnification loupe.
Best regards! Tom

[Henri S]

Thanks for the comprehensive information Tom. It seems this is an unmarked one.

Henri