Kriegsdenkmünze für Kämpfer 1813-1814 & Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71

[KSH]

I will share here two German (Prussian) commemorative war medals - the first from the Prussian Wars of Liberation (Napoleonic Wars) 1813-1814, the second a single-mounted medal from the Franco-Prussian War 1870-71. I know the first medal is strictly not Imperial, as it was established by the Kingdom of Prussia, but I couldn't think of where else to post it.

I am not so familiar with these medals, so any information and input is most appreciated!

#1 Kriegsdenkmünze für Kämpfer 1813-1814:



#2 Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71:




Both medals have their original period ribbons.

- Kenneth

[oradour]

KSH, Kriegsdenkmünze für Kämpfer 1813-1814, the original 1813 medal was founded 24 December 1813 by King Friedrich Wilhelm III of Prussia for all combatants, regardless of rank. In October 1815 those with the inscriptions 1813/1814 and 1815 were added. The earliest examples had rounded arms on the center cross which extended to the rim. These are believed to have been made in Paris in 1814. The later Prussian-made examples have sharp-cornered crosses. All were made from captured French cannon. Some of these medals have been found on the battlefields of Ligny and Waterloo, indicating they may have been worn in combat. A great medal to own ! yours looks great a little faded, but thats to be expected...heres one with all the colours present, I would imagine a replacement ribbon. Prost ! Steve.

[oradour]

............and for information on the Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71, see here, http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsd...eutsches_Reich) if you dont read German, hit your Google translate button !
Prost ! Steve.

[KSH]

............and for information on the Kriegsdenkmünze für die Feldzüge 1870–71, see here, http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kriegsd...eutsches_Reich) if you dont read German, hit your Google translate button !
Prost ! Steve.

Thank you Steve for all your input and information! It's a little faded yes, but I wanted one with the original ribbon and not the later replacement ribbons (as posted by you above). There's just something special about ribbons almost 200 years old - they are so delicate that one almost can't feel them when one manipulates them. Like grasping air almost

I read German quite fluently - thank you for the link also!

- Kenneth

[oradour]

I wanted one with the original ribbon and not the later replacement. There's just something special about ribbons almost 200 years old. Kenneth

Absolutly !
Prost ! Steve.

[HPL2008]

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

Just for additional info, allow me to add that the design of the 1914/18 Ehrenkreuz was a deliberate reference to the ribbon colors and obverse side design of the 1870/71 Kriegsdenkmünze.

[KSH]

Very nice, thanks for sharing!

Just for additional info, allow me to add that the design of the 1914/18 Ehrenkreuz was a deliberate reference to the ribbon colors and obverse side design of the 1870/71 Kriegsdenkmünze.

Thank you Andreas, I was aware of that particular fact (I believe I actually read a post where you stated this very fact some time ago). These older Kriegsdenkmünzen were victory medals and as such there wasn't a 1914/18 medal made after WWI. Not until of course Hindenburg instituted one in 1934 - perfectly befitting the dolchstoßlegende.

- Kenneth

[Walkwolf]

Gentlemen, very nice medals and great thread..........!

1870 EKII, 1870-71 Kriegsdenkmunse medal bar:

[don_kihotis7]

I like these medals a lot .

[Wagriff]

Impressive badge! To think, the man who wore this piece probably fought Napoleon. A true piece of History. William