The inscription on the reverse of this gilt medal roughly translates: 'They were justly drawn into the war and will surely bring home the victory'. 'They' refers to Kaiser Bill of Germany and Kaiser Franz-Josef of Austria, whose images are on the obverse. 'Viribus Unitis' means 'with combined strength'.
This little gem (35mm across), in die-struck gilding metal, illustrates the widespread expectation on both sides of a swift victory: 'by the leaves of autumn', in Kaiser Bill's own words! I seem to remember that earlier Napoleon had had a medal struck for the invasion of England in a similar vein. Perhaps between the victory at Tannenberg and the retreat from the Marne there was some justification for what subsequently became a rather short-lived idea, in the ensuing stalemate on both fronts.
Condition is near EF, except for some minor scratches on the reverse field.
If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.
[Militaria : Medals : Austrian : 20th Century]
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