LUDWIG GIES - Die Bombe

[Bronzemonger]

[ externes Bild ]

Ludwig Gies

DIE BOMBE, 1915, Cast bronze uniface medal, 63.0mm, 68g., edge-stamped C.POELLATH SCROBENH., RRR.

Though superficially medievalizing, this medal expresses, in the ridiculous collapse of the proud lance-carrying warriors,
the collapse of the romantic ideal of warfare and the helplessness of the individual soldier before the overwhelming power
of modern high explosives.

There are nine known examples of this medal. Three in private collection and six in the following museums:

Brüssel, Koninklijke Bibliotheek, Albert I Penningkabinett (Royal Library).
London, British Museum, Department of Coins and Medals
Munich, Staatliche Münzsammlung (National Coin Collection).
Paris, Musée d’Historie Contemporaine (Museum of Contemporary History).
Stuttgart, Württembergisches Landesmuseum (Württemberg Regional Museum).
Vienna, Heeresgeschichtliches Museum (Museum of Military History).

[Afrasi]

Hi Bronzemonger!

Thanks again for showing us a nice item. Ludwig Gies was indeed a lover of peace. In his work war looks like cruel violence and not like national heroism.
There should have been more of his kind!

Regards, Afrasi