History

This medal was instituted by Emperor Franz Joseph I and King Wilhelm I of Prussia in commemoration of their victory in the campaign against Denmark. It is also referred to as “the commemorative medal for the campaign in Denmark, 1864.” The Danish-German War (also called the 2nd Schleswig War or the first of the three German Unification Wars).

The special commemorative medal was awrded to all participants of the land campaign (VI Army Corps), the sea campaign (K.K North Sea Squadraon) and members of the supply and telegraph services (who served in war zones). It was awarded roughly 20,850 times. The medals are composed of cannon metal taken from Denmark's Army, and the medal dies were cut by Friedrich Leisek.

The obverse shows a crowned FJ and crowned W intertwined. The reverse inscription reads UNSERN TAPFERN KRIEGERN 1864 meaning “for our brave soldiers of 1864.” There are versions of this medal featuring a stamp on the rim reading, "AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ", which roughly translates to "From Conquered Cannon." It was worn on a yellow black and white ribbon.