Figure 1: 1897 Imperial Maneuvers Commemoration Medal. Image from author’s archive
Introduction: This medal, the 1897 Imperial Maneuvers Commemoration Medal (Errinerungsmedaille an die Kaisermanovers 1897) was issued to comemorate maneuvers which took place in 1897 which was held in Moravia
Date Issued: 1897
Reason Issued: To commemorate the imperial maneuvers held in Moravia in 1897
Classes or Types: One
Interesting Facts: There were four medals issued for the maneuvers held in 1897
· This medal the 1896 and the other 1897 maneuver medal have the same obverse.
· These medals were probably issued to the soldiers who participated in the maneuvers. However, they are never seen being worn with the other awards received by military personnel and were therefore not considered an official award
· The first Imperial Maneuvers during the reign of Franz Joseph occurred in 1885. During his reign there imperial maneuvers are known to have occurred in 1885, 1887, 1888, 1889, 1890, 1891, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896, 1897, 1898, 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1905, 1906, 1907, 1908, 1909, 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913 and 1914. The emperor attended all maneuvers from 1885 to 1914
Hallmarks: None
Design: A round medal with a small, attached eye and a raised rim
Figure 2: 1897 Imperial Maneuvers Commemoration Medal, obverse. Image from author’s archive
Obverse: A bearded bust of Emperor Franz Joseph I facing to the viewers right and wearing a victor’s laurel wreath, tied at the back with a ribbon, in his hair. Around the image and following the contour of the medal is inscribed: FRANZ JOSEPH I. KAISER V. OESTERREICH K.V UNGARN. Translation: Franz Joseph I Emperor of Austria King of Hungary. Separating the beginning and end of the inscription is a star. Around the edge of the medal between the edge and the inscription is a fine beaded line.
Reverse: Inside a beaded decoration near the rim of the medal is a plain field on which is an eight-line inscription in two languages. The inscription is separated into two parts by a horizontal line with a star in the center. The upper inscription reads: ZUR ERINNERUNG AN DAS KAISER MANOVER IN MAHREN. Translation: In commemoration of the imperial maneuvers in Moravia. The lower inscription reads: UPOMINKA NA CISARSKE MANOVRY NA MORAVE 1897. Translation: In commemoration of the imperial maneuvers in Moravia.
Weight: Unknown
Size: Unknown
Type of Material: Bronze
Variations: None known
Designer: Unknown
Manufacturer: Unknown
Number Issued: Unknown
Case: Unknown
Ribbon: Unknown
Attachments: None
Miniature: None known
I hope you enjoy this blog. Until next time, I hope you find joy in our shared interest.
Rick
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