Four Historic European Commemorative Bronze Medals (Auction 2026-06-05, Lot 259)

$224.88

Western Europe, Germany, France, & England, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A group of four medals representing military, civic, and commemorative themes. Included is a German World War I iron medal dated 1914 to 1916, designed by August Gaul (1869-1921), with a Goethe quote on the verso. Also present is a French bronze agricultural medal by Adolphe Rivet (1855-1925), issued for agricultural societies. A brass medal depicting Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament reflects English architectural pride. Completing the group is a brass Prussian commemorative medal honoring Field Marshal Gebhard Leberecht von Blucher, noted for his role in the defeat of Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. Size of largest: 2.75″ Diameter (7 cm)

Provenance: private Sheffield, Massachusetts, USA collection

Condition: Overall good with age-appropriate wear across all examples. Surfaces show patination ranging from darkened iron to warm brown and golden tones on the copper alloys. Minor scratches, edge nicks, and light surface abrasions are present, consistent with handling and age. The iron WWI medal has brown oxidation areas.