Awards of Germany - Bronze Medal for Services to Marine Postal Pigeon Breeding 1894

The medal for merit in marine pigeon breeding was established in 1894 by the Kaiser and King William II. donated. The fund was created somewhat later than for the military postal dovecote. The medal was to emphasize or affirm the special role of postal pigeon breeding for the Navy. The medal was awarded in gold, silver and bronze. The seal for the medal was again made by Emil Weigand from Berlin. Gold medals were smaller, about 30 mm. Silver and bronze medals were each 41 mm in size. Minting numbers were 53 medals in gold, 830 in silver and 1,047 medals in bronze. According to the medals for services to the marine postal pigeon breeding, so far only they are known to me. I am not familiar with various seals, as with medals for military carrier pigeons.

Round bronze medal with raised border.

Front side:

In the
• center is a right-facing portrait of William II.
• Along the edge is a curved inscription: - WILHELM - II - GERMAN - KAISER -.
• Under the neck small print: - E. - WEIGAND - F. -.

Downside:

• Along the edge is a wide ring with the inscription:
• - FOR - MERIT - UM - DAS - MARINE - (-) - CARRIER PIGEON -.
• Below is a small imperial crown with fluttering ribbons on the left and right.
In
• a closed field above, a postal pigeon flying to the right.
• Below it on the left on the cape is a lighthouse, a flagpole, and in the background is a house.
• On the right under it is a sailing ship with 3 masts and full sails.
At
• the right edge in the background is still a steamer with chimneys, steam clouds and a mast.
• Next to the lighthouse on the left and right are 2 more small carrier pigeons. (slightly larger on the left
)

Paintings from the collection of Mikhail Belenky