German Medal ID Help - Graf Von Moltke - added Pic

StrikeOutXXX · October 16, 2006 1:39AM

Co-worker brought in a token/medal/medallion he asked me if I could help identify. He bought an antique pistol in the '80s while stationed in Germany, and this medal was later found in the lining of the gun case.

I'll take pictures at lunch in about an hour, but I'll describe it now.

2" diameter, 1/8" thick, and I think bronze.

OBV has "GENERALFELDMARSCHALL GRAF VON MOLTKE" around the rim
inside the outer rim is "ERST WAGEN" about 9-10:00 and "DANN WAGEN" about 2-3:30 position
Has a right-facing bust in the center with initials "WM" under the bust with an olive? branch under the bust.

REV has "ZUM 90 GEBURTSTAGE 1800.26.OKT.1890"
There is a winged messenger blowing a horn, holding a sword with a shield and some foliage at his/her feet.

It looks like a 90th birthday commemorative medal of some sort.

Any info would be appreciated.

Edit - here's the pic.

TwoKopeiki · October 16, 2006 2:02AM

I have never encountered a similar medal, but here's an aricle on Helmuth von Moltke (1800-1891) :

Wikipedia Link

StrikeOutXXX · October 16, 2006 9:58AM

Tough one eh?

I tried about every variation of 50mm Medaille GRAF VON MOLTKE and every other word on the medal and can't find squat. I found a few other designs with him, but nothing like this.

Anyone have an idea of age, value, place to look?

Thanks. (We were teasing him at work that he snuck some German/Prussian treasure out of the country and the feds are coming

)

Dentuck · October 16, 2006 11:46AM

This is a commemorative medal honoring the 90th birthday of Graf (Count) Helmuth von Moltke. His famous quote, "Erst Wägen Dann Wagen," roughly translates to "Look before you leap."

The medal was struck in 1890, well into an era of nationalist mania for medals and tokens commemorating the heroes of Germany's recent (1860s to 1870) wars of unification.

In addition to medals, German homes of that era were piled high with memorabilia of the various royal families (the Hohenzollerns premier among them) and military heroes such as Moltke: postcards, framed portraits, cigar boxes, porcelain, plates, Parian and bronze busts, calendars, etc.

Your medal would bring between $20 and $50, possibly a bit more for its unusually large size, in an online auction.

Leiana · October 16, 2006 12:14PM

That's pretty cool.

-Amanda

StrikeOutXXX · November 12, 2006 1:38PM

I found what this eBayer calls a "Pewter or Lead" version of this medal on eBay tonight.

Pewter Version of The Medal

I have since purchased this medal from my co-worker. My son didn't show much interest in it, so not sure what I'm doing with it yet.

Anyone else have any history on this piece?

Jeff

German Medal ID Help - Graf Von Moltke - added Pic

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