The Imperial Austrian Tapferkeitsmedaille - Franz Josef and Karl

[Elmar Lang]

Hello,

as a simple guide to the Imperial Austrian bravery medals, I would like to post some pieces from my own collection, referred to the types awarded during the reigns of Franz Josef I and Karl (from 1849 to 1918).

Below, the type awarded from 1849 to 1859 (Gold, Silver 1st Class, Silver 2nd Class):

[Elmar Lang]

The same, reverse:

[Elmar Lang]

The 1859-1866 type (Gold, Silver 1st Class, Silver 2nd Class):

[Elmar Lang]

The same medals, reverse:

[Elmar Lang]

The 1866-1916 type (Gold, Silver 1st Class; Silver 2nd Class). Please note that from 1914 the typical suspension was changed to a normal one with round ring, only for the Silver 1st Class and Silver 2nd Class; in 1914, a bronze class was also added, of the same size of the Silver 2nd Class.

The Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaille here illustrated has the ribbon with two repeated award bars. They should be in silver, but this piece -belonged to an Austro-Hungarian pilot- was found with massive gold bars:

[Elmar Lang]

These same medals, reverse:

[Elmar Lang]

Bravery Medals awarded during the reign of Emperor Karl I (1916-1918): two Gold medals (Officially made of gilt bronze; one, with worn-off gilding) and a Silver 1st Class one. All three pieces, with the "K" device on the ribbon, indicating that the medal was awarded to officers:

[Elmar Lang]

The same three medals, reverse:

[Elmar Lang]

And finally, two triangular ribbons with "K" device for the Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaille für Offiziere; a field bar ribbon with the gilt "K" and a lapel pin for the same Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaille with enamelled "ribbon":

[römischIX]

very nice Elmar.

Bist du Südtiroler?

[Valter Gorenc]

Wow, amazing pieces! Especially the early two types are very rarely seen!

[Don D.]

Very nice pieces Enzo. Thanks for posting.

[avensis2000]

Elmar,

Thank you - very clear, simple and useful info.

Esa

[peterm]

Nice thread! Thanks for posting Your medals!

Kind regards, Peter

[Gew44]

Wow Enzo are very impressive pictures and thanks for sharing.

Take care my friend.