Austria-Hungary Opinions sought on a Karl FORTITVDINI in Zink

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Gents,

Showing some zink bloom around the profile.

40mm diameter, and a small steel ring to hang on the ribbon hook.

Offered up for your inspection and comments, this large Size late WW1 era Emp. Karl of Austria, large size Bravery award in Kriegsmetal / Zink.

Kevin in Deva

[Kev in Deva]

The Rear.

Any comments as to the rarity and value appreciated.

Kevin in Deva.

[Guest Rick Research]

These seem to turn up from the EX-Hapsburg lands... my best guess is replacement pieces from after the war.

I've never seen any like these from Austria.

[hunyadi]

Agree with Rick - these turn up pretty often and are post 1918 items. Question is - is there a 'sculptors' mark, just under the shoulder of Karl? Hard to tell from the scans - should be "KAUTSCH"

Here is my "zinker"

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=15576

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Gents,

thanks for your replies.

There is NO maker name and the ribbon ring mount is different to yours Charles.

I have never heard of these being made as fakes as the detail is very good.

Replacement pieces in ?pst-WW1 Transylvania.

Kevin in Deva

[hunyadi]

Even without the makers name its still a 100% period example (1918-30's). The ring may have been changed after the passage of time, but not a big deal. Now you just need a good bath in petrolim distilates and a good ribbon to make o'l Karl shine.

[Kev in Deva]

New camera so some better pictures:-

Kevin in Deva

[Kev in Deva]

Rear:-

Kevin in Deva.

[Kev in Deva]

Ribbon Ose area.

Kevin in Deva :beer:

[Kev in Deva]

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

[Iver]

Hi Kev, its really "between wars period" medal... these were the cheaper medlas for WWI veterans, they were silvered or gild...

[Kev in Deva]

Hallo Iver,

many thanks for your post, can they be found with maker marks?

the rim of this is scratched and worn and nothing can be made out among the scratches.

Kevin in Deva. :beer:

[Elmar Lang]

Hello Kev,

your interesting Tapferkeitsmedaille, not bearing any engraver's signature (it should be that of Kautsch), as said is a private purchase piece (possibly also from the 1917-18 period).

Officially struck and awarded pieces must have the engraver's signature ("Tautenheyn" for Franz Joseph TM 2nd Class and Bronze; "Leisek" for TM 1st Class) and usually marked "ZINK" or "ZINK HMA" on the edge. I don't have evidence of Goldene Tapferkeitsmedaillen, having been officially struck in zinc.

Best wishes,

Enzo