Owner Comments:
While randomly perusing E-Bay one day, I discovered an attractive German bronze medal that I just had to have. However, it was certified, and the seller wanted too much money for it. Not dissuaded by that, I bought a raw medal that was a little more than half the cost of the certified one. That medal is an 1844 Berlin Exhibition Medal under the catalog number Wurzbach-685. This medal, struck in high relief, measures 45mm in diameter.
The medal commemorates an 1844 all-Germany exposition in Berlin. The obverse features an image of Germania sitting on a rock. Germania is pictured holding a tightly bound, close-ended wreath. Resting at Germania’s side is a sword depicted in the ready position. Engraved on the rock is the motto, "Stand together." Accordingly, the rock symbolizes cooperation and unity among the German States under a united German confederation represented by Germania. The obverse legend around the rim reads, "Remembering the exhibition of German commercial products to Berlin 1844."
The tightly bound close-ended wreath in Germania’s right hand is an Oakleaf Civic Crown. The Oakleaf Civic Crown has its origins in ancient Rome. It is the second-highest military honor a person could receive. To earn it a person was required to save the life of a Roman citizen in battle, slay his opponent, and hold the ground on which this took place. The only acceptable battlefield testimony allowed to determine the worthiness of the recipient was that of the soldier whose life was saved.
The reverse scenes positioned on top of a grain and grapevine wreath celebrate German industrial expertise. Pictured atop and moving clockwise is a steamship, mining equipment, and an oil derrick, a chemist table, agricultural tools, and a textile loom. The train in the center of the wreath represents the forward progress of German industrialization. The reverse legend reads, "Forward with German diligence and German power." Thus, this medal leaves no doubt as to the more assertive nature of Germany’s national priorities.