103105 | AUSTRIA. Karl Stephan octagonal zinc Plaque.

103105  |  AUSTRIA. Karl Stephan octagonal zinc Plaque. Issued 1916 for the Orthopaedic Hospital and Disability School (41mm x 42mm, 12h). By Anton Grath.

 

ERHERZOG KARL STEPHAN PROTEKTOR, bust left; laurel branch to left and right; in two lines in exergue, ORTHOPÄDISCHES SPITAL u / INVALIDENSCHULEN WIEN // Ö D-S-K WIEN 3 XII 1916, nude female standing right, drawing longbow. PCGS SP-64. Deep charcoal-gray surfaces, with a charming matte nature.

 

Warfare in the 20th century, even near the century's outset, quickly began to look vastly different than wars the century prior given the increased presence of technology and weaponry that allowed for much more devastation, both to land and the human body. With this increased physical damage done to man, advancements in the treatment of the body (at least, as best as could be hoped for) also increased. During this period, prosthetics became a field of greater interest, with attention now much more greatly focused upon those maimed yet still alive (the cause for this medal).

 

Upload: 15 April 2025.