"Three rulers medal"

[Frank Heukemes]

Dear all,

I wonder if anybody of you has one of these. I do not know much about it, save for the fact, that the obverse shows three allied rulers:
Wilhelm II of Prussia (German Empire)
Umberto I (Italy)
Franz Joseph I (Austria)

Since Italy defected from this alliance during WWI, this medal was probably not very popular anymore and many very likely ended in some dark trunks or even in the trash.

The reverse shows the German Reichsadler with the crests of Italy, Prussia and Austria.

Does anybody know who created this medal (apparently of German origin, pre WWI)?

The "ribbon bar" is cut out of cardboard, some patriotic German ribbon glued onto it, safety pin sown onto the back. I am sure, Rick, you did not cover THAT one in your article,

Cheers, Frank H.

[Frank Heukemes]

reverse

[Frank Heukemes]

Ach! Nobody knows anything about this one? Have you ever seen it before then?

[Dave Danner]

My guess is that it memorializes the Triple Alliance, formed by a treaty on May 20, 1882. The Triple Alliance had weakened over time, and formally ended in 1914 when Italy issued its declaration of neutrality.

I have a table medal somewhere for the Three Emperor's League, an earlier and even weaker "alliance" of Germany, Austria, and Russia.

Dave

[VerKuilen Ager]

There were a lot of unofficial/commemorative medals around, particularly during W.W.I and you'll find them with a variety of personalities, including the Turkish head of state. Most were simply meant to show the wearer's patriotism. Often they could be purchased, while others were handed out by organizations, or in return for wartime donations.The one shown here is a cut above the average, with a decent strike in a decent metal, plus a ribbon. Many were pretty cheaply made and it was up to you to figure out how to pin them on. If I can find time I'll try to post a picture of an advertisement for one of this ilk from a contemporary magazine.

[Frank Heukemes]

Thanks guys, and I am looking forward to see that advertisement.

Cheers, Frank H.