*Imperial German, WW1, Veterans "Legion of Honor" Commemorative Medal (Fürs Vaterland)*
An unofficial German First World War commemorative medal issued to veterans following the end of the conflict. The medal is struck in bronze and suspended from a ribbon in the Imperial German colours of black, white and red.
The obverse displays a crowned Iron Cross with the cypher “W” for Kaiser Wilhelm II, dated 1914, surrounded by the inscription “FÜRS VATERLAND” (“For the Fatherland”). The lower portion is decorated with oak leaves, a traditional German symbol of strength and honour.
The reverse depicts a winged female figure (Victory) placing a laurel wreath upon a German soldier armed with rifle, symbolising recognition of wartime service.
Approx. Measurements –Diameter: approx. 32 mm.
History Note:
This type of medal was produced during the 1920s by veterans’ organisations, most commonly associated with the Deutsche Ehrenlegion (German Legion of Honour). Unlike official Imperial awards, these commemorative decorations were privately issued and often purchased by veterans as tokens of remembrance and service. Although not an official state award, this medal was produced in large numbers during the 1920s by German veterans’ organisations to commemorate service in the First World War. Such medals were professionally struck by established German medal manufacturers using standardised dies, which explains their consistent design and appearance. They were typically purchased by former soldiers through veterans’ associations and worn at reunions or commemorative events. In 1934 the German government introduced the official Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges 1914–1918 (Hindenburg Cross), which effectively replaced many earlier privately issued veterans’ medals of this type.
Medals of this type reflect the strong culture of veterans’ associations in Weimar-era Germany, before the introduction of the official 1934 Hindenburg Cross (Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges 1914–1918) which replaced many earlier unofficial commemorative awards.
*Condition* Good overall condition with a pleasing aged bronze patina and light surface wear consistent with age. The ribbon appears to be a later replacement but in good displayable condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
