Hotel Imperial Wien Commemorative Silver Medal by A. Zierler
Decorative Object (Commemorative Medal/Coin) · A. Zierler (Medalist/Engraver). Zierler was a notable Austrian artist specializing in commemorative numismatics and municipal awards during the mid-20th century.
Pattern: Commemorative issue for the Hotel Imperial Wien; Neugestaltung (Redesign/Renovation) era 1956-58.
Type
Decorative Object (Commemorative Medal/Coin)
Maker
A. Zierler (Medalist/Engraver). Zierler was a notable Austrian artist specializing in commemorative numismatics and municipal awards during the mid-20th century.
Material
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (Austrian silver standards of the period). It is a solid silver alloy rather than plated, common for high-end European commemorative medals.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 40mm to 50mm; estimated weight between 25-40 grams. This is consistent with a standard large commemorative table medal.
Description
A high-relief silver commemorative medal depicting the stately facade of the Hotel Imperial on Vienna's Ringstraße. The text 'HOTEL IMPERIAL WIEN ERÖFFNET 1873' traces the top, while the bottom commemorates the 'NEUGESTALTUNG 1956-58'. The piece captures the transition of the building from a palace to a world-renowned luxury hotel, rendered with exceptional architectural accuracy.
Key Features
Highly detailed architectural rendering; bilingual German text identifying one of the world's most famous hotels; signed by the artist A. Zierler.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 or 900 Silver (Austrian silver standards of the period). It is a solid silver alloy rather than plated, common for high-end European commemorative medals.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized and antiqued matte finish with high-relief (repoussé style) architectural detail. Features a detailed rendering of the Hotel Imperial facade in Vienna with raised sans-serif lettering.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Signed 'A. ZIERLER' at the base of the building. Likely carries a small Austrian fineness mark (crescent/crown or toucan/number) on the rim (edge) or reverse side, which is not visible in the photo.
Construction Details
Die-struck/stamped from a high-pressure press using a hand-engraved master steel die. This process creates sharp, crisp architectural lines seen in the windows and cornices.
Functional Features
Non-functional; intended for display or as a presentation gift for guests, sponsors, or dignitaries involved in the hotel's 1950s redevelopment.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Rimmed edge for handling; no attached handles or grips.
Craftsmanship Details
Excellent quality die-striking; the perspective on the building is perfectly balanced with sharp definition in the classical columns and window frames.
Authentication Indicators
Artist's signature is consistent with Zierler's known works; lettering style is period-correct for mid-50s Austria; wear patterns are consistent with a medal kept in a drawer or case.
Origin & Manufacturing
Vienna (Wien), Austria. Manufactured by a Viennese medalist workshop following the strict purity traditions of the Austrian Republic.
Era & Period
Modernist / Post-War Austrian (Mid-Century Modern context). It commemorates the original 1873 opening and the 1956-58 post-war reconstruction.
Age Estimate
Dated 1958 based on the 'Neugestaltung 1956-58' inscription. These were typically produced immediately following the completion of the project.
Cultural Significance
Represents the post-war 'Economic Miracle' (Wirtschaftswunder) in Austria and the restoration of Vienna as a center for international luxury and high-society tourism.
Condition Notes
Very Good. Visible surface scratches (field marks) consistent with age/handling. Notable tarnish/sulfide deposits around the lettering which highlight the relief. No rim dings or structural damage.
Value Estimate
Market value of $60 to $120 USD. Value is driven by the silver weight and the historical interest to collectors of Viennese memorabilia or hotel history.
Care & Maintenance
Hand polish lightly with a soft cloth to preserve the 'antiqued' contrast in the recesses. Avoid chemical dips which will strip the intentional oxidation providing detail to the windows. Store in a PVC-free coin capsule.
Similar Pieces
Vienna Philharmonic medals, Austrian State Treaty commemorative coins, or other Vienna Ringstraße property medals. Differences lie in the specific architectural subject and the artist's signature.
Interesting Facts
The Hotel Imperial was originally built as the palace of Duke Philipp of Württemberg before being converted into a hotel for the 1873 World's Fair. The 1956-58 'Neugestaltung' followed the end of the Allied occupation of Austria.