Estonia. A 400th Anniversary of the Printing of the Wanradt-Koell Catechism Medal

Estonia; 1535-1935; Bronze gilt, obverse illustrating a seated woman holding a book with a child standing to her left and reading from it, engraver marked "F. SANNAMEES" below the woman's right arm, surrounded by the inscription "ME TOUS JA LANGUS - UHES RAAMATUGA", reverse illustrating a book with the date "1535" on its cover, maker marked "ROMAN TAVAST" below the book, inscribed "EESTI RAAMAT" above and "1935" below, 41 mm, extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, maker's label inscribed "ROMAN TAVAST TALLINN" affixed to the inside lid, recessed medal bed, lightly scuffed and soiled exterior, case better than very fine.

Footnote: The Wanradt-Koell Catechism by Simon Wanradt and Johann Koell is the oldest (partially) preserved Estonian language book, printed in Wittenberg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany in 1535.