70mm Medal 70mm. 101.77g. For Service in the Fight against Bolshevism Soldier (Kalevipoeg?) battling the Russian wolves (Bolsheviks) before the Estonian National theatre in flames from a Russian bomb raid. Eight line inscription in German and Estonian; legend around. FÜR VERDIENSTE / IM GEMEINSAMEN / KAMPF GEGEN DEN / BOLSCHEWISMUS… DER GENERAL KOMMISSAR IN REVAL Rare. An impressive medal. Of the type awarded by Karl-Siegmund Litzmann the Generalkommissar of Estonia (Ostland) to local governors in bronze.
Karl-Siegmund Litzmann was General Commissioner for the Nazi occupation of Estonia from 5 December 1941 to 17 September 1944 in the capital city of Reval (now Tallinn). A Soviet bombing raid on March 9, 1944 set much of the town ablaze, including the Estonian National theater pictured on this medal. The medal was most likely awarded in August of 1944 as the city fell to the Soviets in September.
Rudolf Schmidt was a sculptor, art historian and professor of art education at the Academy of Fine Arts in Wien (Vienna). Schmidt published the first volume of the Austrian Kunstlerlexikon (A-D). In 1935, he became a member of the Kunstlerhaus Wien. He created numerous large sculptures, such as the Hannakenbrunnen in Wien in 1937. Schmidt also produced many medals, such as this. Other medals include the Commemorative Medal for the 100th anniversary of the History Association of Wien, and the 1954 Austrian Olympic medal. He died in the Vienna neighborhood of Rodaun in 1980. Click here to follow our store and receive e-mail notifications when new items are added. |