Patriotic Badge – Frederick the Great Profile Bust

This circular patriotic badge features a raised left-facing bust of Frederick the Great (Friedrich II of Prussia, 1712–1786) wearing his iconic tricorne hat. Frederick was celebrated throughout the Imperial era as the embodiment of Prussian military tradition and genius, making his image a popular subject for patriotic tokens during the reign of Kaiser Wilhelm II.

The badge is cast from a base metal (likely zinc alloy) with a subdued gray finish and measures approximately the size of a small coin. The obverse presents Frederick’s profile in low relief, while the reverse displays a simple wire pinback fastener secured by two rivets. These were typically distributed during veterans’ gatherings, patriotic celebrations, or fundraising campaigns in the late 19th to early 20th century, especially during the WWI period when Frederick’s legacy was heavily invoked in propaganda.

Condition: The obverse retains clear detail with light, honest wear and a pleasing patina. The reverse pinback is intact and fully functional, showing only minor surface aging. A solid example of an Imperial German patriotic badge tied to the enduring legacy of Prussia’s greatest king.