K-131

LANDING OF ZEPPELIN XVI IN LUNÉVILLE

1913 Cast bronze medal, 50.5mm, 51.50g, Kaiser 382, Frankenhuis 467.

Obverse: Within a beaded border a French Gallic coq speaks to a German eagle, “Par ici c’est la terre Francaise, Compris-“ ( This is French soil, do you understand?). The eagle replies, “Sehr richtig, aber mein Schiff ist deutscher boden, VERSTANDEN!!!” (Right indeed, but my ship is German territory, UNDERSTOOD!!!). ZXVI in Luneville, 3. April 1913 is in exergue. Raised GOETZ on marker placed at extreme top, left, of exergue.

Reverse: Within a beaded border a zeppelin airship involuntarily lands in Luneville as armed French troops and Hussar's scurry toward it. A military observation airplane flies above. Inscription: “Vive la politesse Francaise" (Cheers for the French politeness).

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This variety piece is also known in the following compositions and sizes:

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Obverse: Same as K-131 except the text Reads; "PAR ICI CE LA TERRA", instead of "C'EST LA".

Reverse: Same as K-131

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This variety piece is known in the following composition and size:

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This is Goetz’ first WWI satirical medal. The French made quite a clamor when the zeppelin developed engine trouble and was forced to land in Lunéville. Goetz couldn’t hold himself back from making light of the obvious over reaction by the French.

Goetz has the German eagle looking down at the French coq in patronizing fashion as if to say "What do you want, surely you remember who won the war in 1870/71, you'd better step back!" Although the French coq should be in a better position while in its own territory, Goetz depicts it in a submissive stance under the eagles angry stare as if to say that the Germans are the masters of the situation.

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