1914 German Alliance Plaque
1914 German commemorative plaque symbolizing the alliance (the Dual Alliance/Zweibund) between the German Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy at the beginning of the First World War.
The specifications of this specific object are:
- Type: Large metal wall plaque / commemorative plaque
- Origin: German Empire (Kaiserreich)
- Year: 1914
- Dimensions: 16 cm diameter
- Weight: Approximately 800 grams
Symbolism on the plaque
This type of propaganda art was widely produced at the time to emphasize the brotherhood and fighting spirit between the two Central Powers following the assassination of Franz Ferdinand:
- Otto von Bismarck & Franz Ferdinand: Bismarck (the founder of the German Empire) and the assassinated Austrian heir to the throne, Franz Ferdinand, represent the historical and current bond between the two empires. The laurel branches symbolize honor, victory, and immortality.
- The two soldiers: The German soldier wearing the iconic Pickelhaube (the typical spiked Prussian helmet) and the Austrian soldier holding the flag depict the military brotherhood at the front line.
- 1914 and the 2 crowns: The year World War I broke out. The two crowns refer to the two emperors (Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany and Kaiser Franz Joseph I of Austria-Hungary).
