100770 | GERMANY. Hunger relief propaganda silver Medal.

100770 | GERMANY. Hunger relief propaganda silver Medal. Issued 1915. Commemorating the distribution of bread during wartime (33mm, 18.42 g, 12h). By L. C. Lauer in Nürnberg.

 

Mother seated facing, giving bread to her two children standing to left and right / ZUR / ERINNERUNG / AN DIE BROT– / VERTELLUNG IN / DEUTSCHLAND IM / • KRIEGE • / 1914–15 (to commemorate the distribution of bread in war-torn Germany) in seven lines; all within grain wreath. Edge: SILBER 990.

 

Zetzmann 5008. Choice Mint State. Mirrored prooflike surfaces, with some light peripheral toning and some minor, scattered hairlines.

 

As World War I entered its second calendar year, Germany's lack of preparation for extended conflict began to reveal itself, as nearly 1/3 of her food came from imports—imports which could not enter the country due to allied blockades. As such, rations were placed on staples such as bread. The German goverment even went so far as to alter the requirements for what bread must contain, such as wheat bread needing to contain at least 10% rye, and rye bread needing to contain at least 12% potato flour—both of which resulted in the so-called "war bread," a darker, denser loaf than would otherwise be encountered.

 

Sorry, this item is no longer available.