K-156
THE SINKING OF THE LUSITANIA

(Die Torpedierung der Lusitania)
1915, Cast bronze, Commemorative medal, 57.3mm, 63.30g, Edge-punched: "KGoeTz", Frankenhuis 1428.
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Obverse: View of S.S. Lusitania, sinking. In border, "Keine Bannware !" (No contraband!). In exergue, "Der Grossdampfer "Lusitania" durch ern Deutsches Tauchbot versenkt — 5. Mai 1915" (The mail steamer Lusitania sunk by a German submarine — May 5, 1915)

Reverse: Death, as a booking-clerk in the office of the Cunard Line; passengers booking. On the office, "Cuna-linie — Fahrkarten Ausgabe — C.U.N.A.R.D." (Booking Office). In border, "Geschaft fiber Alles" (Business above all). K•G in exergue.

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

  • 58mm Blackened Cast Iron

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Known Variety
K-156var
1915, Cast bronze, Satirical medal, 56.7mm, 45.40g, Frankenhuis 1428.
Obverse: Same as above with the exception of the corrected date, Mai 7, instead of Mai 5.

Reverse: Same as above.

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

  • 58mm Blackened Cast Iron

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Medal with Associated Subject Matter
K-156a
BRITISH INTRIGUES IN SWEDEN

(Englische Hetzarbeit in Schweden)
1916, Cast bronze, Satirical medal, 57.1mm, 64.20g, Frankenhuis - .
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Obverse: A Scotch highlander playing the bagpipe and carrying a poster reading; "Engl. Flugblatt - ein deutscher Seesieg" (English Bulletin - A German Victory at Sea). Bottom of poster shows the Lusitania medal.

Reverse: Lord Balfour, on the speakers platform, showing the Lusitania medal to Asquith and Churchill. In the background Lord Grey reprimands the artist (Goetz). Inscription in border, "Difficile est satirum non scribers" (It is difficult not to write a satire). In exergue, "Die Lusitania munze gibt Lord Balfour Stoff z. reden" (The Lusitania medal gives Lord Balfour food for talk). Dated Nov. 9, 1916

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

  • 58mm Blackened Cast Iron

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I am still trying to understand why Goetz, or Kienast, assigned the "K-156a" variety reference number to this medal. It is not a variety and therefore should have its own unique K#.