War Medal 1873

SKU: 02.AUT.0157.101.01

Estimated market value:

$ Click to See Price/Value

  • Bronze Medal Obverse
  • Bronze Medal Obverse
  • Bronze Medal Reverse
  • Bronze Medal Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Austria (Imperial)
  • date of institution
    December 2, 1873
  • remarks
    There are version of the medal which are composed of canon metal.

History


This medal was instituted by Emperor Franz I on December 2, 1873 on his 25th anniversary as Emperor. It was awarded to citizens, without consideration of rank, that has participated in the one or more campaigns during his reign. These campaigns included 1848, 1849, 1859, 1864, 1866 and 1869. As years went on, it also included the occupation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1878, Dalmatia in 1882 and the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.

The obverse medal dies were cut by J. Tautenhayn, Senior, and the reverse medal dies were cut by J. Pfeiffer. It is composed of gun metal and worn on a yellow ribbon with black hatching and a black stripe down each side.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, the discussion regarding using this medal arose. The new Emperor, Karl I approved of the medal being awarded with two Imperial Resolutions. This time, the medal was made of war metal (zinc) instead of gun metal (bronze). There was no official issue of the medals, however at least 2.5 million were made and were marked with KM for Kriegsmetall (war metal).

There are many variations in the attributes of this medal, including difference in portrait type, pendant design, letter size, and inscription.

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Versions

  • Price

    $100 USD

  • Composition

    Bronze

  • Inscription

    Obv: FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER V. ÖSTERREICH KÖNIG V.BÖHMEN ETC.APOST. KG V.UNGARN Rev: 2. DECEMBER 1873

  • Size

    36mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $80 USD

  • Composition

    War Material gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER V. ÖSTERREICH KÖNIG V.BÖHMEN ETC.APOST. KG V.UNGARN Rev: 2. DECEMBER 1873

  • Size

    36mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $25 USD

  • Composition

    Bronze gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER V. ÖSTERREICH KÖNIG V.BÖHMEN ETC.APOST. KG V.UNGARN Rev: 2.DECEMBER 1873

  • Size

    36mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top