TREATY OF SEPTEMBER 1914

K-144
(Septembervertrag der Entente)

Cast Bronze, satirical medal, 57.4mm, 93.10g, Frankenhuis 1418

Obverse: On a document of the September treaty between Russia, France and Great Britain, the Russian Bear, holding a pen in its paw, writing, while the Gallic Coq and the English Bulldog watch what he is doing, “Wir schliessen keinen separat Frieden” (We will not conclude a separate peace), over the signatures of ministers “Iswolski, Delcasse and Grey”. In border, “September Vertrag 1914”

Reverse: English Bulldog bites the bear’s thigh, the bear strangles the coq who is biting the bear. In border, “Wir warden schon fertig mit einander” (We shall soon finish each other off.)

This is not one of Goetz’ more successful designs in our ‘minds eye’. A rather graphic mishmash of elements are contained on both sides. While we understand the irony Goetz was trying to convey to the viewer, we aren’t convinced he was successfully firm handed in doing so with this example.

Grade: VZ