Prussian War Medal for the 1864 Danish Campaign – Bronze from Captured Danish Cannons

This Prussian War Medal for the 1864 Danish Campaign was awarded to soldiers of the Kingdom of Prussia who participated in the Second Schleswig War against Denmark. The bronze medal was struck from captured Danish artillery, as indicated by the edge inscription “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ” (From Captured Cannon).

• Material: Bronze (sourced from captured Danish cannons)
• Diameter: [To be measured]
• Obverse: The crowned intertwined monograms of King Wilhelm I of Prussia and Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria
• Reverse Inscription: "Unsern tapferen Kriegern 1864" (To Our Brave Warriors 1864), surrounded by a laurel wreath
• Edge Inscription: “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ” (From Captured Cannon)
• Ribbon: Original combatants' ribbon (black, white, and blue), slightly worn

Historical Relevance

The Second Schleswig War of 1864 was a decisive conflict in the unification of Germany. Prussia and Austria jointly fought Denmark over the duchies of Schleswig and Holstein, resulting in a Prussian victory and the annexation of Schleswig. This war set the stage for Prussia’s rise under Otto von Bismarck, ultimately leading to the unification of Germany in 1871.

This combatant’s version was awarded to Prussian and Austrian soldiers who directly participated in battles, distinguishing it from the non-combatant version (which had a white and yellow ribbon).

Condition & Authenticity

• Condition: Good, with some patina and field wear consistent with age
• Ribbon: Original, shows age and fraying at edges
• Markings: Edge-inscribed “AUS EROBERTEM GESCHUETZ”, confirming the medal was made from Danish cannon bronze
• Authenticity: 100% original, a genuine Prussian-issued 1864 war medal

Date Range

Issued in 1864, during the Second Schleswig War.

Display Suggestions

This historically significant campaign medal is ideal for:

• Framing alongside Prussian and Austrian military awards
• Displaying with period documents or a soldier’s service record
• Presenting alongside medals from later Prussian wars (Austro-Prussian and Franco-Prussian Wars)

Collector’s Appeal

• Highly desirable due to its role in the early unification of Germany
• Original combatants' ribbon, adding to its authenticity
• Rare edge inscription confirming it was cast from captured enemy artillery
• Key piece for collectors of Prussian military history and Bismarck-era wars