This guide will cover only the 1848/1849 Hohenzollern Denkmünze für Nicht-Kämpfer (1848/1849 Hohenzollern Campaign Medal for Non-Combatants). This bronze circular medal (2.9cm) was established on 23 August 1851 by King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia (at the same time as the Hohenzollern House Order). It was made in the Royal Mint in Berlin (campaign medals manufactured there had a very distinctive suspender ring - called a ribbed eyelet - through which the ribbon ring was mounted). It was given to non-combatant Prussian troops (typically awarded to medical personnel but other categories were eligible who had faithfully served) for service in the anti-revolutionary battles of 1848/1849. In addition, it was awarded for Danish battles in 1849. Standard German reference designations for this medal are Hüsken 7.194.2 and OEK 1796/2. A combatant version was also awarded which is covered in a different guide (http://reviews.ebay.com/1848-1849-Hohenzollern-Denkmuenze-fuer-Kaempfer_W0QQugidZ10000000003612874).
(obverse temporary photo)
1848/1849 Hohenzollern Denkmünze für Nicht-Kämpfer
The obverse has the Hohenzollern cross with eagle with the circular inner inscription VOM FELS ZUM MEER (From the hills to the sea). The reverse carries FRIEDRICH above WILHELM IV and thick border above and below with 1848 above and 1849 below the border. The outer ring near the edge does not have the inscription SEINEN BIS IN DEN TOD GETREUEN KRIEGERN and is totally blank. The UV-negative silk ribbon is almost 3.50cm wide and is the color of the civil Iron Cross with an additional thin central black stripe. Detailed information on the ribbon can be found in the guide http://reviews.ebay.com/1848-1849-Hohenzollern-Denkmuenze-ribbon_W0QQugidZ10000000003614104. A certificate was awarded with the medal. Some examples of this medal - which are very infrequently encountered (although not considered rare) - have been noted:
- Jan. 1998 (medal without ribbon, €75), German dealer.
- Sep. 2002 (medal without ribbon, €100), German auction house.
- June 2005 (medal on ribbon, €80 reserve), German auction house.
- May 2007 (medal with poor replacement suspension ring, no ribbon ring, no ribbon, €37.57), eBay.
My best advice is: Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Prussian medals. Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides (http://reviews.ebay.com/Hohenzollern-Medal-Guide-Index_W0QQugidZ10000000003443079) for further information. Thank you for your visit!
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