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K- 298
 
THE LAST BATTLE AT BIRKENBAUM
(Die letzte Schlact am Birkenbaum)

1923, Cast bronze, Satirical medal, 62.4mm, 62.80g.
 

Obverse:  A birch tree stands in the foreground amongst a wind blown wheat field. Broken fetters are lying at its base; a head with clenched fists rises from the ground on the horizon. Inscription, "Es kommt der Tag!" (The day will come).
 

Reverse:  A shephard with his flock stand by a stone marker dated 1923. He looks into the distant clouds where a naked Walküre on horseback rides toward the sun. In the sky appear the words, "Zwischen Lipp'u. Ruhr- Die letzte Schlacht am Birkenbaum" (Between the Lippe and the Ruhr-The Last Battle at the birch tree). K•G in exergue.
 
 
Based on the Westphalian saga that the last battle against evil would be fought between the rivers Lippe and Ruhr, and that victory would come at the birch tree (Birkenbaum). The implications are obvious. The evil being the foreign troops between Lippe and Ruhr. The victor will be Germany in the end.

Beautiful dark patina with an exceptional 'old skin' from an old collection.  This particular K# is more rare and thus, harder to obtain, especially in this condition.

Grade: XF

SOLD