Prison de St. Gilles Occupation Medal, 1914–1918

This unusual and highly evocative medal is a World War I period prisoner’s token from the German occupation of Belgium, specifically tied to the infamous Prison de Saint-Gilles in Brussels. The bronze-finished rectangular piece (approx. 1 inch by 0.5 inch) bears on its obverse the detailed image of a heavy prison door, complete with cell number plaques and peephole, bordered with the inscription PRISON DE ST. GILLES – OCCUPATION 1914 – ALLEMANDE 1918. The reverse presents an interior cell wall, including a barred window and a simple prisoner’s bench, a haunting reminder of the thousands held there during the war.

The prison of Saint-Gilles, still active today, became a central holding facility during the German occupation of Belgium. Civilians accused of resistance activities, espionage, or disloyalty to the Reich were confined here in harsh conditions. Many were later executed or deported, making these medals both commemorative and testimonial objects.

This piece functioned not as a decoration but as a privately made commemorative token—likely commissioned by veterans or families of the interned. Such tokens were small, wearable, and deeply symbolic reminders of survival and oppression under German rule.

Condition: The piece shows honest age toning with minor surface wear but retains clear legibility of all inscriptions and crisp detail to the door and barred window design. The suspension loop is intact, making it suitable for display.

Collector’s Note: Items related to the German occupation of Belgium are highly collectible due to their historical importance and scarcity. Tokens from Saint-Gilles prison, particularly with architectural detail of the cells, are rare survivals and resonate strongly with collectors of WWI prison, occupation, and resistance memorabilia.