(sold for $27.0)

1848, Frankfurt (Free City). "Opening of the 1st German Parliament" White Metal Medal. XF-

Mint Year: 1848 Medallist: Neuss References: J & F 1129. Condition: Dark toning (environmental damage?), scratch in reverse, edge hits, otherwise XF! Denomination: Medal - Opening of the 1st German Parliament on 18th of May 1848 in Frankfurt am Main. Material: White metal Weight: 24.51gm Diameter: 41mm

Obverse: Standing german medieval warrior, holding fasces and raised right hand. Two spears in background on a square rock. Numerous weapons of war (trophies) on ground. Legend: EIN MANN, EIN BUND, EIN FREIES DEUTSCHES VOLK. ("One man, one confederation, one free German nation!")

Reverse: Double-headed eagle of the German Confederation with shield at chest. Legend: ERSTES DEUTSCHES PARLAMENT ("First German Parliament") / ERÖFFNET DEN 18 MAY 1848 ("Opened on 18th of May, 1848.")

The German Confederation (German: Deutscher Bund) was an association of 39 German states in Central Europe, created by the Congress of Vienna in 1815 to coordinate the economies of separate German-speaking countries and to replace the former Holy Roman Empire.[1] Most historians have judged the Confederation to have been weak and ineffective, as well as an obstacle to the creation of a German nation-state. It collapsed due to the rivalry between Prussia and Austria, warfare, the 1848 revolution, and the inability of the multiple members to compromise.

In 1848, revolutions by liberals and nationalists were a failed attempt to establish a unified German state. Talks between the German states failed in 1848, and the Confederation briefly dissolved, but was re-established shortly after, in 1850. It decidedly fell apart only after the Prussian victory in the Seven Weeks' War of 1866.

The dispute between the two dominant member states of the Confederation, Austria and Prussia, over which had the inherent right to rule German lands ended in favour of Prussia after the Seven Weeks' War of 1866. This led to the creation of the North German Confederation under Prussian leadership in 1867. A number of South German states remained independent until they joined the North German Confederation, which was renamed the 'German Empire'.

Only 1$ shipping for each additional item purchased!