Description
This medal was issued for the 1890 Cologne exhibition devoted to military art and army requirements, a major Imperial German showcase centered on war materiel, military technology, and supply. Struck by the well-known Nürnberg mint of L. Chr. Lauer, the medal commemorates the Allgemeine Ausstellung für Kriegs-Kunst und Armeebedarf, which translates to “General Exhibition for Military Art and Army Requirements.” The obverse design is rich in late 19th century Imperial symbolism, featuring a seated armored Germania holding a sword and laurel wreath, surrounded by imagery associated with military power, transport, and national industry, including a ship, train, cannon, castle, and hot-air balloon. The reverse bears the full exhibition inscription within a laurel wreath beneath the arms of Köln. This is not a military award, but rather a large-format official commemorative exhibition medal tied to one of the important pre-First World War German military-industrial expositions!
Made of bronze with a rich golden appearance and original patina, this medal remains in EXCELLENT condition overall with strong detail throughout. The edge is plain and shows only a couple of small nicks (see photo). The surface remains clean with no scratches or spotting noted, and all of the relief is bold and crisp. The maker along the lower obverse reads, “L. Chr. Lauer, Nürnberg”. The obverse shows a seated armored Germania holding a sword and laurel wreath, with a ship, train, cannon, castle, and hot-air balloon around her. The reverse reads Allgemeine Ausstellung für Kriegs-Kunst und Armeebedarf Köln 1890, which translates to General Exhibition for Military Art and Army Requirements, Cologne 1890. The original fitted painted wood case is present and marked on the lid “Krafft & Depiereux, Düren”. It has a blue cloth lining with wear, a few marks and tears, and the hinge is intact. The clasp is present but does not lock. Overall, this is a VERY NICE and highly displayable Imperial German cased exhibition medal from an important 1890 military-themed exposition…PERFECT for any collection or display!
