{"product_id":"weimar-germany-1928-pressa-koln-karneval-badge-cologne-press-exhibition","title":"Weimar Germany 1928 PRESSA Köln Karneval Badge Cologne Press Exhibition","description":"\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThis is an original gilt bronze or gilded base metal badge issued for the \u003cem\u003eKarneval\u003c\/em\u003e (Carnival) celebration associated with the \u003cem\u003eInternationale Presse-Ausstellung Köln 1928\u003c\/em\u003e — commonly known as the PRESSA — the major international press and media exhibition held in Cologne from May through October 1928. The badge measures approximately 2 inches (approximately 51 millimeters) in diameter and is struck in high relief with a richly detailed obverse composition. The reverse is plain gilt metal with a horizontal pin-and-catch attachment system, the pin and catch bracket both present, confirming this was worn as a lapel or coat badge during the Carnival season that accompanied the PRESSA exhibitions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe obverse presents a dynamic figural composition in high relief. At center a \u003cem\u003eNarr\u003c\/em\u003e (jester or carnival fool) in cap-and-bells costume straddles a large block or platform bearing the inscription \u003cem\u003ePRESSA KÖLN\u003c\/em\u003e and below it \u003cem\u003eKARNEVAL 1928\u003c\/em\u003e, rendered in raised block letters. The jester gestures outward with both arms in the exuberant spirit of Carnival. Flanking the central figure are two additional elements: at left, a bearded classical or Roman figure — likely referencing \u003cem\u003eAgrippina\u003c\/em\u003e or another historical emblem associated with Cologne's Roman origins — and at right a more abstract figure in a posture of display or proclamation. Additional smaller figures and hatched relief elements suggesting newsprint or stacked paper bales complete the lower register, reinforcing the press and media theme of the PRESSA exhibition. The curved legend at the upper arc reads \u003cem\u003eGELO GELA\u003c\/em\u003e — a phonetic rendering of the Cologne Carnival cheer — flanking the jester's cap at left and right. The composition is executed with considerable sculptural ambition and fine detail quality for a struck badge of this type.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eThe PRESSA of 1928 was one of the defining cultural events of the Weimar Republic, attracting millions of visitors and presenting the full scope of international print media, journalism, photography, and broadcasting under one roof at the Cologne exhibition grounds. Cologne's Carnival tradition, rooted in the Catholic pre-Lenten festivities of the Rhineland, was interwoven with the PRESSA celebrations and produced a range of commemorative objects of which this badge is a well-executed example. The combination of Carnival iconography with the PRESSA branding places this piece at the intersection of two of the most significant cultural institutions in Weimar-era Cologne.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"font-claude-response-body break-words whitespace-normal leading-[1.7]\"\u003eCondition is good. The gilt surface retains strong color overall with natural toning and scattered surface darkening in the recessed areas of the relief. The figural details are well-defined throughout. The pin-back attachment is present and functional. No losses or repairs are evident.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49378924364015,"sku":"01-21","price":79.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/9169\/5855\/files\/01-21_2.jpg?v=1777402931","url":"https:\/\/derrittmeister.com\/products\/weimar-germany-1928-pressa-koln-karneval-badge-cologne-press-exhibition","provider":"Derrittmeister Militaria Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}