Vintage Boxed WWI RMS Lusitania German Medal Replica – British Propaganda Medal

Vintage Boxed WWI RMS Lusitania German Medal Replica – British Propaganda Medallion c.1915–1916

Product Description

A fascinating First World War RMS Lusitania “German Medal” replica, presented in its original burgundy card display box with printed Lusitania liner image to the lid and explanatory text inside. The medal is a British wartime copy of the controversial medallion originally designed by German artist Karl Goetz following the sinking of the Cunard ocean liner RMS Lusitania on 7 May 1915.

The medallion is rich in symbolism. One side shows the Lusitania sinking, with German wording translating broadly as “No Contraband Goods” and “The great steamer Lusitania sunk by a German submarine”. The other side shows the skeletal figure of Death issuing tickets at the Cunard booking office, beneath the phrase “Business Above All”. These dramatic images were intended as biting political satire, but in Britain they became a powerful propaganda tool.

The original Goetz medal famously carried the incorrect date of 5 May 1915, two days before the actual sinking. British authorities seized upon this error as supposed evidence that the attack had been pre-planned, and thousands of replica medals were produced and sold to the public. Imperial War Museums records note that around 300,000 British copies were made under the direction of Captain Reginald Hall of Naval Intelligence, with production costs supported by Gordon Selfridge and proceeds going to St Dunstan’s Blinded Soldiers and Sailors Hostel.

The Lusitania disaster caused international outrage. The ship was torpedoed by German submarine U-20 off Ireland on 7 May 1915, with 1,198 lives lost. The National WWI Museum notes that 128 American citizens were among those who drowned, and the sinking became one of the defining propaganda moments of the First World War.

This example retains its original presentation box, with the outer lid showing the RMS Lusitania and the wording: “Cunard Line – 32000 Tons – Sunk on her return journey from the United States by a German submarine May 7th 1915.” The inside lid carries the printed explanatory text headed “The ‘Lusitania’ (German) Medal”, matching known museum examples.

A compelling and highly collectable piece of WWI propaganda, maritime history and Lusitania memorabilia, ideal for collectors of military medals, Cunard Line ephemera, First World War history or early 20th-century political objects.

Condition

In good antique condition overall, with age-related wear. The medal has a dark patinated surface with strong relief detail. The original card box shows rubbing, surface wear, foxing/discolouration to the interior, corner wear and general signs of age, all consistent with a fragile paper/card object of this period.

Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.