102073 | GERMANY. Shortage of Shipping Tonnage cast iron Medal.

102073  |  GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN, the NETHERLANDS & UNITED STATES. Shortage of Shipping Tonnage cast iron Medal. Dated 1918. "Holländischen Schiffsraub"—on the taking of Dutch ships by the United States (57mm, 58.24 g, 12h). By K. Goetz in München.

 

Uncle Sam (representing the United States) and John Bull (representing the United Kingdom) advancing left across carpet of tulips (representing the Netherlands) and carrying ships under their arms (one of which is named Hollandia); seascape in background, windmill at a distance / NOT LEHRTSTEHLEN (necessity is the teacher of stealing), various steam and sailing ships upon the sea. Edge: Some filing marks as made, otherwise plain.

 

Kienast 210; Klose 12.25; Art of Devastation p. 278, fig. 73. Choice Mint State. Gray-brown surfaces, with some hints of red around some of the devices.

 

Ex Leigh Park Collection.

 

Following the entry of the United States into the war, there was an immediate need for shipping a great deal of resources and troops to the frontlines in Europe. To make up for this immense necessity, President Wilson ordered the seizure of Dutch vessels in American ports, citing the right of angary—an international law, and an aspect that further angered the Germans.

 

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