LANDING OF INDIAN AND AFRICAN TROOPS AT MARSEILLES

1914

(Indische Ttruppenschau in Marseille)

Cast bronze satirical medal, 58.4mm, 67.75g, Frankenhuis 1520

Obverse: Tall English “Tommy” urging a tiny Indian elephant. In border, “All right — Weiler zum Kriegsschauplatz” (All right, forward to the fighting front).

Reverse: Triumphal arch on the shore festooned with garlands, elephant heads, and topped with a strutting rooster is inscribed, “Vive les Anglais” (Long live the English) and “Nous sommes sauvês 1914″ (We are saved). Walking below the triumphal arch is an Indian holding a flag inscribed, “Grande attraction des Indiens —Marseilles” (Grand performance of the Indians at  Marseilles). K-G found at base of posts.

The first instance of racially motivated attacks.

Grade: Gussfrisch (as cast)