Germany, Imperial. A Flight of Z.IV. (AKA LZ 16) from Friedrichshafen to Lunéville, France Medal 1913

In silvered bronze, obverse illustrating Z.IV. in flight over Friedrichshafen, inscribed "Z.IV. 3. APRIL 1913" at the upper left, with the transportation authority insignia below the bow of the airship, the insignia illustrating an eagle with four lightning bolts in its talons, reverse inscribed "DAS ZEPPELIN-LUFTSCHIFF Z.IV. AM 3 APRIL 1913 MORGENS 6 UHR IN FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AUFGESTIEGEN, LANDETE NACHMITTAGS DURCH UNGÜNSTIGE LUFTVERHÄLTNISSE GEZWUNGEN BEI LUNÉVILLE IN FRANKREICH" (The Zeppelin Airship Z.IV. (AKA LZ 16) in Ascent over Friedrichshafen at 6 AM on April 3, 1913, Landed at Lunéville, France in the Afternoon due to Unfavourable Air Conditions), with a floral mace below, measuring 33.5 mm in diameter, ring suspension, bruised, edge nicks, multiple contact marks and surface wear, fine.

 

Footnote: The first flight of Z.IV. (Army Tactical No., AKA LZ 16) took place on March 14, 1913. It accidentally crossed the French border on April 3, 1913 due to a navigational error in poor visibility, and landed on the parade ground at Lunéville, allowing the French to examine it in detail. It was used for reconnaissance over East Prussia in August 1914 and bombed Warsaw on September 24, 1914. It was later used for training before being decommissioned in the autumn of 1916.