{"product_id":"austro-hungarian-franz-joseph-i-der-tapferkeit-bravery-medal-original-tri-fold-ribbon","title":"Austro-Hungarian Franz Joseph I “Der Tapferkeit” Bravery Medal-Original Tri-Fold Ribbon","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOriginal Imperial Austro-Hungarian \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMedal for Bravery (Tapferkeitsmedaille)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e from the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph I. This is a classic military decoration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and an excellent companion piece for an Imperial Austrian or World War I-era medal collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe obverse features a finely rendered right-facing portrait of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmperor Franz Joseph I in military uniform\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, surrounded by his imperial titles. The small artist’s signature \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“A. SCHARFF”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is visible beneath the portrait, referring to Austrian medalist Anton Scharff.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe reverse bears the inscription \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“DER TAPFERKEIT”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, translating to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e“For Bravery,”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e positioned above crossed military standards and surrounded by a laurel wreath. This design was specifically associated with Austro-Hungarian military bravery awards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe medal retains its traditional \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ered-and-white striped bravery ribbon\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, mounted in the characteristic Austro-Hungarian triangular or \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDreiecksband\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e configuration. The ribbon is particularly attractive from a collector’s standpoint because it shows substantial genuine age and wear, including fading, soiling, fraying and some separation of the woven material. The suspension ring and connecting hardware remain present.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe medal itself has developed a very attractive dark, even patina. The portrait, lettering, wreath and reverse details remain well defined despite normal high-point wear. I would strongly recommend leaving the medal exactly as found and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003enot cleaning or polishing it\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, as the aged surface contributes significantly to its appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBased on the photographs, this appears to be one of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebronze Franz Joseph Bravery Medal variants\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Because silver and bronze classes were produced and photographs can sometimes make metal identification difficult, I would advertise it conservatively as bronze unless the edge or metal can be examined more closely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAn excellent original Imperial Austro-Hungarian military decoration with strong eye appeal and an appealing, untouched appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Good original used condition. Medal exhibits an even dark patina and expected surface\/high-point wear. Original-style ribbon exhibits considerable age, fading, fraying and wear as photographed. Suspension hardware remains intact.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43374636171341,"sku":null,"price":75.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0610\/9229\/8829\/files\/C0750C7A-7791-4A70-B9D1-6859AE97F64B.jpg?v=1786125936","url":"https:\/\/whiskeyrebellionantiques.com\/products\/austro-hungarian-franz-joseph-i-der-tapferkeit-bravery-medal-original-tri-fold-ribbon","provider":"Whiskey Rebellion Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}