Description
Obverse side of this bronze medal shows a bust of Kaiser Franz Joseph of Austria. On the outer edge of the coin it says "Franz Joseph I.V.G.G. Kaiser V. Oesterreich" (Franz Joseph I, by the grace of God, Emperor of Austria). Below the bust is "Tautenhayn" which is in reference to the medalist Josef Hermann Tautenhayn. Obverse side of medal says "Der Tapferkeit" (For Bravery) & depicts six crossed flags & a laurel wreath. The medal is attached to a red & white striped ribbon The Austro-Hungarian Bravery Medal - Tapferkeitsmedaille - was awarded to non-commissioned officers (NCOs) & enlisted men for acts of courage in battle & had existed in gold & silver classes since 1789. in February 1915 the addition of a third class in bronze was authorised by the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I. Unlike the other two classes the Bronze Bravery Medal could also be awarded to the NCOs & enlisted men of Austria-Hungary's wartime allies. Thousands of these bravery medals were awarded to Austro-Hungarian soldiers during the First World War. in this & many other respects they were the Austro-Hungarian equivalent of the British Military Medal. Size: medal: 1 1/4" Diameter overall: 1 7/8" W X 3 1/4" L Condition: Very good. Aged patina. The ribbon is not torn however it has darkened from age & dirt. Antique Austria Franz Joseph Bronze War Medal Austro-Hungarian Bravery Award Ribbon Circa 1915
