Original Prussian 1813-1814 Napoleonic Wars Bronze Combatant Medal Cannon Berlin For Sale

Offered is an original Kingdom of Prussia Kriegsdenkmünze für Kämpfer 1813/1814, awarded to Prussian combatants of the Wars of Liberation against Napoleon.

This is the sharp, angular-cross-arm type traditionally attributed to Berlin manufacture. The medal was struck in bronze from captured enemy artillery, confirmed by the German inscription around the edge:

AUS EROBERTEM captured cannon” or “From captured artillery.”

One side features:

• Radiant Prussian Iron Cross

• Oak and laurel wreath

• Central campaign dates 1813 / 1814

• Dates are now extremely worn but the underlying type remains identifiable

The opposite side features:

• Crowned FW monogram of King Friedrich Wilhelm III

• Inscription PREUSSENS TAPFERN KRIEGERN

• Translation: “To Prussia’s brave warriors”

• Outer legend GOTT WAR MIT UNS, IHM SEY DIE EHRE

• Translation: “God was with us; to Him be the honor”

The angular cross arms are characteristic of the Berlin-produced version, while rounded-arm examples are generally associated with the earlier Paris manufacture. (Numista)

• Original Prussian military campaign medal

• Issued for combat service during the Napoleonic Wars

• Associated with the Prussian Wars of Liberation

• Reign of King Friedrich Wilhelm III

• Campaign period: 1813–1814

• Struck from captured enemy cannon bronze

• Berlin angular-cross-arm production type

• Awarded without distinction between officer and enlisted rank

• Recipient is unknown

• Not a later commemorative reproduction

• Not a coin or privately issued souvenir

The Prussian combatant medal series was instituted by Friedrich Wilhelm III during the struggle against Napoleon. The 1813–1814 medal recognized qualifying combatants who served through both campaign years.

Original, heavily worn antique condition with substantial evidence of age and use.

• Strong dark brown and nearly black natural patina

• Scattered green oxidation and surface deposits

• Heavy overall wear to both faces

• Iron Cross and radiating design remain visible

• Central campaign dates are almost completely worn away

• Crowned FW monogram remains identifiable

• Portions of the Gothic inscriptions remain legible

• Edge inscription remains clearly identifiable, with some letter wear

• Surface shows scratches, small marks, oxidation and scattered pitting

• Rim has age-related knocks and irregularities

• Original upper suspension lug remains but is heavily worn, damaged and deformed

• Separate ribbon suspension ring is missing

• Original ribbon is not included

• No repairs or modern polishing are apparent in the photographs

This is not a high-grade numismatic example, but it remains an evocative and historically significant original campaign medal with its important captured-cannon edge inscription still readable.

Please examine every photograph carefully. The photographs form an important part of the description and show the exact medal the buyer will receive.

A desirable historical artifact for collectors of:

• Napoleonic Wars militaria

• Original Prussian medals

• German states military awards

• Wars of Liberation memorabilia

• Friedrich Wilhelm III collectibles

• Early Iron Cross imagery

• Captured-cannon bronze medals

• European campaign medals

• Antique military SHIPPING TO THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA.

  The medal will be carefully protected, securely immobilized and safely packaged. Tracking will be provided.

  Please visit our store for additional antique knives, original WWI and WWII militaria, Napoleonic items, medals, badges, documents, photographs and other unusual collectible pieces.

  Item specifics

  Conflict: Napoleonic Wars (1803–1815)
  Original/Reproduction: Original
  Theme: Militaria
  Type: Campaign Medal / Military Decoration
  Country/Organization: Prussia
  Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
  Historical State: Kingdom of Prussia
  Campaign: Wars of Liberation
  Years: 1813–1814
  Ruler: Friedrich Wilhelm III
  Award Title: Kriegsdenkmünze für Kämpfer 1813/1814
  Recipient Type: Combatant
  Production Type: Berlin / Angular Cross Arms
  Material: Bronze
  Metal Source: Captured Artillery Bronze
  Edge Inscription: AUS EROBERTEM GESCHÜTZ
  Obverse Inscription: PREUSSENS TAPFERN KRIEGERN
  Original Recipient: Unknown
  Ribbon Included: No
  Suspension Ring Included: No
  Suspension Lug: Present but Damaged
  Maker: Unmarked
  Signed: No
  Personalized: No
  Modified Item: No
  Vintage: Yes
  Antique: Yes
  Featured Refinement: Napoleonic Collectible
  Condition: Heavily Worn Original Condition