Summary
The Gessler Hat in the Palatinate medal, Germany, 1920 by Karl Goetz.
Goetz's confronting medal represents concerns that German civilians, namely women, children and the elderly, were not safe under the occupation of French troops, especially those recently arrived from African colonies.
Obverse Description
Fasces (bound wooden rods with axe attached) symbolising power is topped by a French war helmet; on the left a young girl is held from fleeing by her hair; on the right, old men away being driven away by a soldier. Text around: "DER GESSLER HUT IN DER PFALZ".
Reverse Description
A naked woman, representing Germania, is tied to the wrist of a large arm, being tickled with a feather by a recently arrived French soldier as others look on. The soldier is still in his native African clothing. Text around above: "IM JAHRE DES HEILS 1920".
Edge Description
Plain
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Purchase from Spink (Australia), 17 Aug 1990
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Date Issued
1920 AD
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Issued By
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Artist
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Inscriptions
Obverse inscription: IM JAHRE DES HEILS / 1920" (In the Year of Grace 1920). Reverse inscription: "DER GESSLER HUT IN DER / PFALZ" (The Gessler hat in the Palatinate).
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Series
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Material
Bronze
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
59 mm (Outside Diameter), 61.864 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
Kienast.262
[Book] Kienast, G. W. The Medals of Karl Goetz.
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Keywords