#93 • Collection of German Military Medals: Various City-States

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

High bid $375.00

Status: Sold

Collection of German Military Medals: Various City-States. Collection of 5 German 19th century military medals from various city-states including; 1.) Schleswig-Holstein Cross for army service for war of 1848-1849. Cross For The War Years 1848 To 1849. Cross made of iron measures 28mm and exhibits wear, some slight corrosion and is in very good condition. Medal present black/white/red ribbon. 2.) Saxony War Commemorative Cross for 1866. Cross made of gilt bronze measures 30mm and exhibits slight wear, slight corrosion and is in fine condition. Medal presents proper ribbon. 3.) A Nassau medal for the Austrian War 1866. Gilt-bronze medal measures 29mm and exhibits some surface abrasions, retains much gilt and is in fine/very fine condition. Medal presents proper ribbon. 4.) Hanoverian Langensalza Medal for service at the battle of Langensalza during the Austro-Prussian War of 1866. Bronze medal measures 36mm and is named (impressed) on rim "G.C.H.L. TURKE. II". Medal exhibits some wear, residual of polish, some slight surface abrasions and is in fine condition. Medal presents proper ribbon (wear and some fraying). 5.) Wurzburg war remembrance medal for 13-14 August 1887. Medal measures 30mm and exhibits slight wear. Medal lacks ribbon. Estimate: $200 - $300 Historical Background: This collection represents a fascinating cross-section of German military history prior to and during the unification of the German states. Before 1871, Germany was a patchwork of independent kingdoms, duchies, and city-states, each maintaining its own military forces and issuing distinct awards for service, bravery, and merit. These medals, therefore, showcase a rich diversity in design, inscription, and material, reflecting the unique heraldry and traditions of polities such as Bavaria, Saxony, Prussia, Württemberg, and the Hanseatic cities. The assortment provides significant insight into the complex political and military landscape of the era, where military awards were crucial in reinforcing loyalty and recognizing local achievements. Examining this collection allows for a comparative study of the standards and criteria for military recognition across different German territories. The medals range from campaign awards commemorating specific battles or wars to long-service crosses and decorations for general excellence in duty. Such assemblages are highly prized by collectors as they encapsulate the fragmented military identity of the pre-imperial period. The variation in design often highlights distinctions in rank or the specific theatre of operations, making this collective group a valuable primary source for understanding the evolution of German military honors before the standardization that followed the establishment of the German Empire.