Kaiser Wilhelm I. Erinnerungsmedaille 1897

This medal was donated on the occasion of the 100th birthday of Kaiser Wilhelm I by grandson Wilhelm II on March 22, 1897. The date is pre-dated to the day the national monument was unveiled for Emperor and King Wilhelm I.
All persons who were on active service in the army and navy at the time, as well as all officials of the armory administration, all retired officers and medical officers who were called up and employed for service were entitled to receive. Likewise the members of the gendarmerie in Alsace-Lorraine. Officers and soldiers in houses for invalids and also all participants and veterans of the wars of 1864-1866 and 1870-1871 as well as all members of the colonial troops. Awards to women were also possible. These included the ladies of the Luisen Order. Not very rare due to the many awards. The number of awards and production can only be roughly estimated. Awards over 1.2 million pieces are accepted. The manufacturer of the medals was the Otto Oertel company. The design of the medal comes from the sculptor Prof. Walter Schott. The corresponding award certificate comes from Emil Doepler the Younger. Other manufacturers for made-to-order, reductions and miniatures are possible but were already referred to as replicas during the rental period. The medal was not returnable. Mockingly also called the Order of Lemon because of the yellow ribbon. Gold-plated medals are extremely rare. Medals from war metal are late productions have a different loop and are about 10 times more expensive.
Half-sizes were also made which are much higher in price.

Round bronze medal without raised edge. Above a soldered eyelet with a band ring.

Front:

The chest portrait of Wilhelm I, looking to the right, in a cloak with a pimple hood.
To the right of the head - KING - FROM - PRUSSIA -
To the left of the head - WILHELM - THE - GREAT - GERMAN - EMPEROR -
Back:

In the lower part a cushion with an imperial crown, sword and orb surrounded by oak leaves and
laurel branch climbing to the top left
Above it is the 6-line writing - TO - REMEMBER - ON THE - HUNDREDTH BIRTHDAY -
- OF THE GREAT EMPEROR - WILHELM I - 1797 - MARCH 22 - 1897 -

Code: 50039