SkipperJohn
Well-known member
Here is my latest find. A Kriegsdenkmünze für Nichtkämpfer 1815 (War Memorial for Non-Fighters) OEK# 1921, a service medal for non-combatants in the later Napoleonic Wars.
With flash:
Written on the reverse was "Gott war mit uns, Ihm sey die Ehre!" (God was with us, Him be the honor!) and in the center was written "Für Pflichttreue im Kriege" (For duty-taking in wars). On the front was a sharp edged cross, with beams, and the date 1815.
Without flash:
These were produced in large numbers, 9000 in Berlin and 88,000 in Gleiwitz (there is a small "G" stamped in the eyelet on this medal which stands for Gleiwitz), but it is actually more rare that the combatant version which was produced in lesser amounts. This is because the combat version was made of bronze and this version was made from blackened iron. They rust easily, so many of these have simply disintegrated. I have seen several, but they were in such deplorable condition that they were not worth the trouble, or the price.
The medal is small, only 26mm wide and 31mm tall not including the eyelet. They are also very thin, only 1.5mm, which also contributed to their demise over time.
Unfortunately I will have to accept a reproduction replacement ribbon for this medal. Finding an original would be impossible. Many of the originals that I have seen do not have the correct ribbon. The correct ribbon for this is Gold-Black-White-Black-Gold.
When, and if, I find a replacement ribbon I will add more history on this medal to the thread that shows the combat versions. The combat versions may be viewed here:
https://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11059
John \
/
With flash:
Written on the reverse was "Gott war mit uns, Ihm sey die Ehre!" (God was with us, Him be the honor!) and in the center was written "Für Pflichttreue im Kriege" (For duty-taking in wars). On the front was a sharp edged cross, with beams, and the date 1815.
Without flash:
These were produced in large numbers, 9000 in Berlin and 88,000 in Gleiwitz (there is a small "G" stamped in the eyelet on this medal which stands for Gleiwitz), but it is actually more rare that the combatant version which was produced in lesser amounts. This is because the combat version was made of bronze and this version was made from blackened iron. They rust easily, so many of these have simply disintegrated. I have seen several, but they were in such deplorable condition that they were not worth the trouble, or the price.
The medal is small, only 26mm wide and 31mm tall not including the eyelet. They are also very thin, only 1.5mm, which also contributed to their demise over time.
Unfortunately I will have to accept a reproduction replacement ribbon for this medal. Finding an original would be impossible. Many of the originals that I have seen do not have the correct ribbon. The correct ribbon for this is Gold-Black-White-Black-Gold.
When, and if, I find a replacement ribbon I will add more history on this medal to the thread that shows the combat versions. The combat versions may be viewed here:
https://www.pickelhaubes.com/bb/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=11059
John \
/
