Description
This is a cased table medal in its original presentation case. The circular table medal, which appears to be made of light gray pewter, measures 1 3/4″ in diameter.
Its obverse sports a high-relief portrait of a bare-chested, heroic male figure clad only in an animal skin pelt. His hair is long and his feet are bare. He brandishes a long spear in his right hand, and balances a tall, eagle-bedecked shield with his left. A hunting horn and a short hunting blade are at his waist. He has a bracelet around his upper right arm and on his left wrist. He may very well be a depiction of the mythical hero, Siegfried. Indeed, the medal’s reverse features the words “Der Sieger (the Hero),” separated by oak leaves and acorns from “Das Kriegsministerium.” In the center is “Weltkämpfe (World Battle 1917).”
The case is covered with dark maroon leatherette, and measures 2 3/4″ x 2 3/4 x 1/2.” The velvet lining both sections of the case is the same dark maroon as its exterior. The lower half has a cutout section in which to fit the medal. The upper half has a small section slightly marred by a somewhat sticky residue (perhaps from another dealer’s price tag). [It might be removable via a cleaner designed to treat glue. We will leave this to its new owner]. Otherwise, the presentation case and medal are in excellent condition. This handsome medal was probably produced as a reward for supporting a War Ministry fund-raising campaign.
