Germany Empire SMS Mowe Return Kienast-175 WWI Two Fish MS 63 bronze medal 1916

This fascinating 1916 German Empire bronze medal, cataloged as Kienast-175, commemorates the return of the auxiliary cruiser SMS Möwe, one of the most successful German raiders of World War I. Rich in symbolism and maritime imagery, the medal reflects both naval achievement and wartime propaganda, celebrating Germany’s naval exploits against Allied shipping.

The obverse presents a dramatic maritime scene: a stylized sea with rolling waves supports a hybrid creature combining human and bird-like features, wearing a crested helmet and rising triumphantly from a vessel. Nearby, seabirds glide over the water, while ships appear in the distance on the horizon. A small naval flag is visible on the left, reinforcing the maritime theme. The surrounding inscription references the SMS Möwe and its return, capturing the pride associated with the mission.

The reverse features a bold inscription framed within an ornate cartouche: “4. März 1916” and a message referring to Britain (“Albion”) marking one million in gold, connected to captured or disrupted trade. Below, two large fish confront each other, their open mouths and flowing fins symbolizing struggle and the chaos of naval warfare. The lower legend reads “IV. REICHS-KRIEGS-ANLEIHE,” linking the medal to war loan campaigns.

Struck in bronze with sharp relief and an attractive aged patina, this PCGS-certified MS63 example is a compelling artifact of WWI naval history. A must-have for collectors of maritime medals and German wartime issues.

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