German Empire Medal 1897 Kaiser Wilhelm I 100th Birthday VF

German Empire 1897 – Kaiser Wilhelm I 100th Birthday Commemorative Medal

German Empire – 1897

Contemporary wearable commemorative medal issued for the centenary of the birth of Wilhelm I, first German Emperor, on 22 March 1897.

Obverse

Right-facing bust of Emperor Wilhelm I in military dress and Pickelhaube.

Legend:

WILHELM DER GROSSE · DEUTSCHER KAISER

Reverse

Crowned monogram of Wilhelm I within an oak wreath above an Imperial German eagle with spread wings, accompanied by crossed military standards and trophies of arms.

Surrounding inscription:

ZUR ERINNERUNG AN DEN 100. GEBURTSTAG
KAISER WILHELM I.

Below:

D. 22. MAERZ 1897

Specifications

Country: German Empire
Date: 22 March 1897
Person: Wilhelm I (1797–1888)
Occasion: 100th anniversary of his birth
Type: wearable commemorative medal
Material: aluminium
Diameter: 34 mm
Weight: 5.03 g
Suspension: integral pierced suspension tab
Maker: unidentified

Wilhelm I was born on 22 March 1797 and became King of Prussia in 1861 and the first German Emperor in 1871. His centenary in 1897 was marked throughout the German Empire by extensive public commemorations and by the production of numerous medals and souvenirs.

This approximately 35 mm aluminium type is documented among contemporary wearable medals produced for Wilhelm I's centenary, with the reverse characterised by the Imperial eagle, military standards and trophies.

The present piece should not be confused with the official Prussian Zentenarmedaille instituted by Kaiser Wilhelm II on the same occasion. The official award was a different 40 mm bronze medal with imperial regalia on the reverse.

A characteristic contemporary private commemorative issue from the Wilhelmine period.

Shipping