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M-013
Extremely Rare Cased and Presented Goethe (Non-Portable) Award: Medallion with
Full-Head Profile of Goethe
This large medallion has a diameter of 2.75" and thus a
fairly large award. The obverse has a full-head profile of Johann Wolgang von
Goethe (the famous German writer of Faust, Wilhelm Meisters Apprenticeship, and
other literary classics). To the lower right along the edge of the medal appears
the name "GOETHE". The medallion is finished with a thick silver
wash. This has thinned over time in certain areas. Goethe's forehead, for
example, and the higher relief strands of hair. Rather than detract, this
actually enhances the image, since it makes Goethe's face look more natural,
oddly enough originally finished with a silver wash, but only traces of this now
remain. The reverse has a handsome national emblem in the upper of the
medallion, with the dedication beneath, reading "FÜR KUNST UND
WISSENSCHAFT" ("For Art and Science"). There is also an
inscription around the outer circumference which reads "VOM REICHSPRÄSIDENT
VON HINDENBURG 1932 GESTIFTET" ("Instituted by Reichs President
von Hindenburg in 1932"). The side of the medallion is stamped with the
recipient's full name (Paul Reinecke). Paul Reinecke (1872-1958) was a
renowned cultural anthropologist working in Bavaria who developed a labeling
system for the Bronze and Hallstatt Ages (thank you to Rick H. for this
information!). Research shows that only 447 of these were ever awarded.
There are also the touch marks of the jeweler (half moon) followed by the
silver content number (835) and the letter code "PR.ST.M.B.".
The medallion comes nestled in a very handsome textured black leatherette square
case measuring about 4.75" wide by 1" high. The case top has a narrow
gold pinstripe border and a handsome gilt eagle embossed into the lid. The
eagles wings are 2.25". There is a deep blue silk (or rayon) lining
to the inner side of the lid, which has formed into an impression of the medal's
face. The molded bottom section has a round depression in which the medallion
rests. The case functions perfectly and has the push-button style
catch release found on many different award cases. The case itself is so
rare that even Forman's Price Guide does not list a value. This is the
only example of this badge that I have ever encountered, let alone owned.
$6,700.00
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Item M-013
