Description
Germany Karl Goetz 1922 K-262 Watch on the Rhine (Die Schwarze Schande) cast bronze medal; rare type. Toned matte finish with original patina; about 57 mm in diameter.
Scarce 1920 Watch on the Rhine – aka the “Die Schwarze Schande” – cast bronze medal by the famous German engraver Karl Goetz. This is one is probably on of Goetz’s most provocative works – this Particular type is mentioned in multiple world publications; it sure is a head turner. Goetz designed the medal in protest to the Occupation of the Rhineland by the French African colonial troops and the alleged atrocities. While the deployment of the colonial troops most likely was an actual plot by the French government to humiliate the defeated foe, the alleged mass crimes by the colonials was proven to be the product of the German right-wing propaganda.
The medal weights about 54.6 gm; about 57 mm in diameter, plain rim. Great overall condition, considering the age; some minor abrasions on the elevated high-relief naked Lorelei features on reverse and a couple of small dark spots are noted for accuracy. The obverse depicts a caricature of a French Colonial soldier wearing Adrian combat helmet with inscriptions “Die Wacht am Rhein!!” (The Watch on the Rhine!!) and “Liberte, Égalité, Fraternité” (Liberty, Equality, Fraternity). A very graphic reverse depicts a naked Lorelei tied to a large phallic post with a French helmet on the top. Inscription “Die Schwarze Schande” around the rim (To Black Shame); Goetz’s initials at 6 o’clock.
Karl Goetz was born in Augsburg, Germany and studied in Leipzig, Berlin, Dusseldorf, Utrecht, Le Locle (Switzerland), and in Paris. With the start of WW1 Karl Goetz became an artist known around the world for his 1914-1923 satirical medals. Overall, Goetz created about 180 satirical medals and close to 800 medals overall; all are very collectible and highly prized today. He also designed a series of pattern coins, tokens, and medals for the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich Germany. Karl Goetz survived WW2 and died in his native Munich in 1950.
This rare Germany Karl Goetz 1920 K-262 “Watch on the Rhine” bronze medal is not a later reproduction or a copy; it is guaranteed to be 100% authentic or your money back. Not cleaned; these are the actual photos. This is of the most talked-about satirical medals by the famous German medallist in great overall condition; don’t miss your chance to add it to your collection!
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