Watch List notes:

KARL GOETZ MEDALS. Austria - Germany. Austro-German Alliance Bronze Medal, 1914. Munich Mint. MINT STATE.
Kienast-135. 45mm. By Karl Goetz. Obverse: Jugate busts of Franz Joseph I and Wilhelm II left; Reverse: German and Austrian soldier advancing right in unison. Reddish-brown surfaces with a slightly mottled nature.

Following the formation of the German Empire in 1871, Otto von Bismarck sought to preserve peace and create a climate which would allow the fledgling empire to grow, mostly worrying about rivals Russia to the east and France to the west. A deal was struck in 1879 with the Austro-Hungarian Empire in that they would support each other in the event that either were to be attacked by Russia. Further, if any other European power were to attack one, the other would practice a policy of benevolent neutrality, limiting the possible number of rivals and ideally serving as a deterrent for the belligerent European power in the first place. This alliance served as the basis for that which would become the Central Powers (later adding the Ottoman Empire and the Kingdom of Bulgaria) during World War I.

From the Richard Jewell Collection.

Estimate: $100.00- $200.00