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Miniature circular bronze medal with eyelet for suspension; the face with the head and shoulders portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I facing right, circumscribed ‘FRANZ JOSEPH I V. G. G. KAISER V. OESTERREICH’ (Franz Joseph I, by the Grace of God Emperor of Austria); the reverse inscribed ‘DER / TAPFERKEIT’ (Bravery) within a wreath laurel imposed on crossed standards; diameter 15.38mm (0.6 inch); without ribbon.
The Medal has its origins in the commemorative medals created by Emperor Francis II at the end of the 18th Century for soldiers who had distinguished themselves on the field of battle. Since 1809, these medals have been referred to as the Medal for Bravery (Tapferkeitsmedaille) and were awarded to non-commissioned officers and other ranks for acts of bravery.
The bronze medal was instituted on 14 February 1915 as so many awards were being made during World War I. This example bears the portrait of Emperor Franz Joseph I and was awarded in 1915 and 1916.
The Medal is quite hard to find in miniature.
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