A Rare 1939 Return of the Port of Memel Commemorative Medal
Item #G28794
$250
Silvered iron, magnetic, obverse illustrating a standing knight, his left hand gripping the hilt of a sword, his right hand resting upon a shield set on the ground, flanked by the numbers "12" and "52" (the date "1252"), surrounded by the inscription "DENSBURG MEMELBURG DEUTSCH", reverse illustrating a stylized view of the Port of Memel with a castle-like wall and cranes, marked with the engraver's initials "K" and "G" at either end of the wall, a boat upon the waves in front of the wall, a stylized swastika and the date "1939" above, surrounded by the inscription "NACH 20 JAHR. HASS DIKTAT ZUM REICH", 86.5 mm, raw cast edge, surface rust evident on the obverse, very fine.
Footnote: Klaipėda is a city in Lithuania on the Baltic Sea coast. It is the third largest city in Lithuania and the capital of Klaipėda County. The Teutonic Knights built a castle in the Pilsāts Land of the Curonians and named it Memelburg; later the name was shortened to Memel. From 1252-1923 and from 1939-1945, the town and city was officially named Memel. Due to political changes between 1923 and 1939, both names were in official use; since 1945 the Lithuanian name of Klaipėda is used.