#88 • Collection of German Commemorative Medals Related to Napoleonic Wars - Centennials

Part of British & World Medals (live auction by Bannerman Auctions)

High bid $70.00

Status: Sold

Collection of German Commemorative Medals Related to Napoleonic Wars - Centennials. Collection of 4 German commemorative medals with most celebrating anniversaries related to the Napoleonic wars. Collection includes: 1.) Commemorative Centennial Medal of the 14th Royal Bavarian Infantry Regiment Hartmann 1814-1914. Medal in silvered bronze measuring 35mm. Medal presents proper ribbon (newer replacement). 2.) Commemorative Centennial Medal of the Mecklenburg Artillery 1813-1913. Medal in silvered bronze (much loss to silvering) measuring 35mm. Medal presents proper ribbon. 3.) Commemorative Centenary Of The Oldenburg Infantry Regiment No. 91. Medal is bronze measuring 28mm. Medal presents proper ribbon in bow configuration. 4.) Commemorative medal for Fusilier Regiment 73, General Field Marshal Prince Albrecht centennial (1803-1903). Medal in bronze measures 40mm and exhibits even toning. Medal lacks ribbon. Estimate: $150 - $250 Historical Background: The "Collection of German Commemorative Medals Related to Napoleonic Wars-Centennials" focuses on pieces issued around the 100th anniversary of significant events during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815). These centennial medals were typically struck in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to honor the veterans, commemorate key battles like Waterloo, or celebrate the contributions of specific German states, such as Bavaria or Hanover, to the coalition forces that defeated Napoleon. As commemorative rather than campaign medals, their design often features highly detailed artistic representations, allegorical figures, or portraits of the rulers or military leaders of the time. While the original Napoleonic War medals were awarded to soldiers immediately following the conflict, these centennial collections offer a look into how the newly unified German Empire, or its constituent states, chose to remember this pivotal period of German resistance and eventual triumph a century later. The collection serves as an important historical artifact, reflecting the nationalistic and historical sentiment prevalent during the centennial commemorations and highlighting the enduring legacy of the Napoleonic era on the collective German memory.