Austria-Hungarian 1873 War Medal-Franz Joseph I-Kriegsmedaille-Original Imperial Austrian Military Decoration

Original Austro-Hungarian War Medal of 1873 (Kriegsmedaille) from the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. This Imperial Austrian military decoration was instituted on December 2, 1873, commemorating the 25th anniversary of Franz Joseph’s accession to the throne. It was awarded to military personnel who had participated in qualifying campaigns and military actions beginning in 1848, with eligibility later extended to subsequent campaigns during Franz Joseph’s reign. 

The obverse features a right-facing portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I wearing a laurel wreath, surrounded by the German imperial title inscription identifying him as Emperor of Austria, King of Bohemia and Apostolic King of Hungary.

The reverse is particularly attractive, featuring the date:

2
DECEMBER
1873

surrounded by an ornate combination of laurel and oak branches tied together at the bottom. The December 2 date directly references the Emperor’s accession anniversary and the establishment of the medal. 

This example retains its original-style integral suspension lug and loose suspension ring but does not have its ribbon. The proper ribbon was a distinctive black-and-yellow Habsburg ribbon traditionally folded into the Austrian triangular configuration. 

The medal exhibits an attractive, untouched aged surface with overall patina, oxidation, scattered marks and moderate wear from age and use. Importantly, the portrait, imperial inscription, reverse date and wreath remain quite well defined. The Australian War Memorial describes documented examples as gilded bronze; period examples are also cataloged in bronze/brass-type alloys. 

A very nice pre-WWI Imperial Austro-Hungarian military decoration dating from the 19th-century reign of one of Europe’s longest-serving monarchs. It would display particularly well alongside WWI Austro-Hungarian medals, Imperial German decorations or other Habsburg militaria.

Condition: Good original condition with age-related surface wear and patina. Suspension ring is present. Ribbon is absent. No attempt has been made to clean or polish the medal. Please refer to photographs for exact condition.