GOETZ: K-260(a) Kapp Putsch Variety

cacheman

K-260 KAPP PUTSCH Variety, 1920, Cast AE with silver plating (versilbert), 59mm, wt. 67.50g, 'RRR'

I have been told by the professionals that Goetz never made any of these with versilbert....

Wolfgang Kapp tries to overthrow the government, succeeds for five days – in history he is called the “five day chancellor” – in the end he was instrumental in ending the career of Noske, the minister of the army who had grown too strong. The General Strike and the loyalty of the officials to the legal government ended the undertaking of Kapp and General Lüttwitz.

Obverse shows Chancellor Kapp riding victoriously into Berlin on a mule, “Counter Revolution in Berlin.” In exergue “The 5 day chancellor.”

Reverse shows the riots and strike, indicated by men holding the wheel of machinery with the inscription, “General Strike March 13 to 21, 1920.” Inscription on the flag to the left “Vogtland.” In connection with Kapp Putsch started bloody riots under the Communist leader Max Hölz in Middle Germany.

elverno

Just great! That period of history is so often overlooked, most of us just assume that girls in frilly dresses were dancing around for 10 years. This co-exists roughly with the Russo-Polish conflict where the Poles beat the new Russian government pretty handily, and that's another event we hear very little about in our high-school history classes.

It's amazing what rarities you can find if you look; of course a lot of the experts never had the exposure the internet provides I guess...

Garneteye

As always. enjoyed the history lesson along with the medal.

Thanks

Dan

cacheman

Vern, you brought up a very good point, the internet has made collecting and learning possible. I, for one, would not be collecting let alone know anything about Goetz if it weren't for the internet. The closest coin shops to me are 125 miles and they don't carry anything but U.S. material. Looking back just a few years is the difference between dark and light...and I don't mean 'liteside'

cosmicdebris

Another awesome piece.!

Askari

Are you sure the "versilbert" isn't "after-market"? Frankly, I'm not sure how you could tell the difference. If original, though, it's a superb rare find!!

oldshep

Keep em coming!!
Shep

PuddlePirate

The "net" certainly has changed both the accessibility of knowledge and diversity in business. I never knew Goetz existed until I came to these boards. My nearest coin shop is about 500 miles away and almost all of my purchases have been via the internet for the last few years.

Steve27

"Obverse shows Chancellor Kapp riding victoriously into Berlin on a mule..." That sure is one nice looking mule.

cacheman

<< <i>"Obverse shows Chancellor Kapp riding victoriously into Berlin on a mule..." That sure is one nice looking mule. >>



If you look closely at the horse General Luettwitz is riding in the background you'll note the difference in face, ears, and tails of the two animals. Goetz has portrayed the mule as extremely proud...get it? In essence, Goetz is calling Kapp an egocentric ass...



<< <i>Are you sure the "versilbert" isn't "after-market"? Frankly, I'm not sure how you could tell the difference. If original, though, it's a superb rare find!! >>



My best explanation is, as with much of the Goetz medal characteristics, that you must go by your experience in seeing and handling hundreds of the medals. This Kapp Putsch variety I have now displays all of the characteristic color and patina which silvered bronze medals by Goetz usually have. The silver carries a grayish patina with purple tones. But a caveat: The composition of the under metal matters a great deal. How reactive it was, how much and what kind of finish did the medal have before it was silvered. It also matters the method of silvering. Was the medal silvered using ''fire silvering', electroplating, mercury treated, etc, etc. A medal which has been finished with 'fire silvering' is always more attractive and has a nicer patina than straight electro silvering. But again all this depends on your own perception and experience and judgement. Sorry, I know this doesn't help much Mark. In my book I surmise legitimacy until I observe something which sets the bells ringing. This piece sets off none of those bells.

Steve27

"In essence, Goetz is calling Kapp an egocentric ass..."

Very clever.

Askari

It was because there are so many possibilities that I wasn't sure. It looks legit to me, but all I have is a (very good) picture to go by and, as you note, you really have to look at it and have experience with the varieties. I have seen some medals not originally issued silvered that were silverplated by a contemporary owner (or more likely, a dealer); I've not seen this with Goetz, but my experience with his medals is very much less than yours.

wybrit

Another great thread - bumped!

theboz11

"Unique" is always nice to see outside of museums, nice piece