GERMANY. Kaiserreich. Preußen. Wilhelm II, 1888-1918. Medal 1913 (Lead-Tin, 89 mm, 150.68 g, 12 h), so called 'Berliner Schülermedaille'. On the 25th Anniversary of his Reign and the 100th Anniversary of the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig. 'Zur Erinnerung an die Erhebung der Nation am 10 März 1813' Group of trees. Rev. 'Unterrichts-Anstalt des königl. Kunstgewerbe-Museum zu Berlin•' around 'Am Tage des / 25-jährigen / Regierungs / Jubilaeums / Kaiser Wilhelmus II / den 15.6.1913'. Münzkabinett Berlin -. Steguweit -. Exceedingly rare. Good extremely fine.


This enigmatic medal is the work of an as-yet unidentified artist, created in 1913 as part of his graduation from the prestigious School of the Museum of Applied Arts ("Königliche Unterrichtsanstalt des Kunstgewerbemuseums") in Berlin.

In the early 20th century, under the influence of renowned architect and designer Bruno Paul (1874–1968) and Wilhelm von Bode (1845-1929), then General Director of the Berlin museums, it became customary for students at Berlin’s art schools to produce sculptures and medals as part of competitive award programs. These so-called 'Berliner Schülermedaillen' (‘Berlin student medals’ in German) were made in extremely limited numbers - often as few as one, and never more than ten. As a result, they are among the rarest and most sought-after works in modern German medallic art (cf. W. Steguweit: Ars Juventuti. Berliner Schülermedaillen von der Unterrichtsanstalt des Kunstgewerbemuseums zur Hochschule für bildende Künste, Berlin 2009, p. 11).

This particular example still carries the gravitas and patriotic fervor of the German Empire on the eve of World War I. It was created to mark the 25th Anniversary of Kaiser Wilhelm II’s reign, which coincided with the centennial celebrations of the Wars of Liberation (German campaign of 1813). Despite its solemn occasion, the design is starkly minimalist - a stylistic choice that already hints at the emerging aesthetic of the 1920s. Beyond the inscription, the only motif is a tree stump - an emblem of a Germany once felled and occupied by Napoléon. From this stump, new shoots emerge, symbolizing the rebirth and resurgence of the German nation.

The artist behind this remarkable piece remains unknown for now. However, given the caliber of talent associated with Berlin’s School of Applied Arts, it is conceivable that the medal could be the early work of a major figure. Notable graduates and contributors to this tradition include Gustav Weidanz, Gustav Seitz, Renée Sintenis, and Bernhard Heiliger - just to name a few.