WWI German Patriotic Brooch – “Wilna” with Russian Coins & Iron Cross

This is a rare and highly distinctive example of German patriotic jewelry from the Eastern Front of World War I. The brooch combines artistry, symbolism, and battlefield souvenir value, making it a desirable piece for advanced collectors.

At its center is an ornate open-work medallion inscribed “Wilna” (Vilnius, in present-day Lithuania). The city was captured by German forces in 1915, and this brooch likely commemorates that occupation.

Flanking the central medallion are two genuine Russian silver coins—20 Kopecks dated 1914—mounted with the Imperial double-headed eagle clearly visible on the obverse. Their inclusion reflects the practice of turning captured enemy coinage into souvenirs and jewelry, a popular trend among German soldiers stationed in the East.

Suspended below is a miniature Iron Cross 1914 pendant, bearing the crowned cipher “W” (for Kaiser Wilhelm II) on the obverse and “1914” on the lower arm, tied to the outbreak of the Great War. A small chain connects the cross to the brooch body, adding visual balance.

The reverse retains its original pin-back fitting, with the coin reverses plainly visible, including the “20 Kopecks 1914” inscription.

Condition

• Very good overall condition.

• Coins remain crisp with clear detail.

• “Wilna” medallion retains its sharp form.

• Iron Cross pendant well preserved.

• Pin-back functional, with no major repairs.

Historical Significance

Patriotic brooches of this type were popular among German officers and soldiers as souvenirs or gifts sent home. While generic Iron Cross brooches are encountered with some frequency, those naming specific Eastern Front cities such as Wilna are far more unusual. The use of captured Russian coinage makes this an evocative example of trench art and war mementos.