German Heraldic Commemorative Silver Medallion featuring the Coat of Arms of Württemberg
Decorative Object / Commemorative Medallion · Unknown manufacturer (likely a German mint or private silver firm). The piece uses official regional heraldry, suggesting a municipal or institutional commission.
Pattern: Commemorative Heraldic Series; likely part of a numbered set given the incised '3'.
Type
Decorative Object / Commemorative Medallion
Maker
Unknown manufacturer (likely a German mint or private silver firm). The piece uses official regional heraldry, suggesting a municipal or institutional commission.
Material
Likely 800 or 835 Silver, the standard for German silver of this era. It has a matte, slightly oxidized appearance characteristic of nickel-silver alloy or lower-grade continental silver.
Dimensions
Estimated diameter of 45-60mm. Estimated weight between 30 and 50 grams. This size is typical for table medals or large commemorative tokens.
Description
A striking circular silver medallion showcasing the traditional heraldic supporters of Württemberg: a crowned lion to the left and a stag to the right. They hold an oval escutcheon under a ducal crown. The entire scene is encircled by a classic laurel wreath symbolizing victory or honor. The matte, brushed finish provides a contemporary feel to a traditional motif.
Key Features
Detailed heraldry of Württemberg; distinct bimetallic visual effect from antiquing; incised numeral '3' indicating possible provenance in a set or competition ranking.
Material & Composition
Likely 800 or 835 Silver, the standard for German silver of this era. It has a matte, slightly oxidized appearance characteristic of nickel-silver alloy or lower-grade continental silver.
Finish & Decoration
Satin finish with chemically darkened recessed areas (antiquing) to highlight the relief. Features a high-relief (repoussé style) design of a crowned shield with horizontal bars (fusils), supported by a lion and a stag (supporters of the House of Württemberg), enclosed in a laurel wreath. Includes a hand-engraved or stamped numeral '3'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not visible in the provided image. Expected marks on the rim or reverse would include the crescent moon and crown (Reichsmark), a fineness number (800, 835, or 925), and a maker's mark.
Construction Details
Die-struck or machine-pressed from a heavy gauge silver sheet or blank. The clean edges and consistent relief height suggest industrial hydraulic pressing rather than hand-chasing.
Functional Features
Decorative and commemorative. The numbering suggests this was a prize medal, a limited edition piece, or part of a numbered table set.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable; this is a flat, circular medallion designed for display in a case or on a stand.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-sinker Work. The detail in the stag's antlers and the lion's mane shows a high level of precision in the initial master mold.
Authentication Indicators
The heraldry is historically accurate for the region. The wear patterns are consistent with a medal kept in a drawer or case rather than worn as jewelry.
Origin & Manufacturing
Germany, specifically the region of Baden-Württemberg. The heraldry is definitively the arms of the Kingdom/State of Württemberg.
Era & Period
Modern / Mid-20th Century (likely 1930s-1960s based on the crispness of the strike and the specific sans-serif style of the numeral '3').
Age Estimate
Circa 1950, likely post-WWII commemorative or a mid-century reproduction of a historical motif.
Cultural Significance
Represents regional pride and the continuation of heraldic traditions in German silver manufacturing. Such pieces were often given as honorary gifts for long service, athletic achievement, or agricultural excellence.
Condition Notes
Very Good. The surface shows light micro-scratching consistent with handling. Tarnish is intentional in the recesses but light on the raised surfaces. No significant rim dents or structural damage.
Value Estimate
$40 - $120 USD, depending on the confirmed silver weight and whether the reverse contains further inscriptions or rare maker marks.
Care & Maintenance
Avoid chemical dips which will strip the intentional antiquing in the recesses. Clean with a soft damp cloth or silver polishing cloth only on the high-relief areas.
Similar Pieces
Bavarian Wittelsbach medals or Prussian commemorative coins. Unlike military medals, this lacks a suspension loop, categorizing it as 'Table Silver' or 'Cabinet Pieces'.
Interesting Facts
The stag in the heraldry represents the forest-rich lands of the region, while the lion represents the Power of the Staufen dynasty. These symbols have remained part of the local identity through various shifts in German government.