General Information
Country of Origin: Germany (Prussia)
Type: Shooting Competition Award Medal
Time Period: Likely late 19th or early 20th century
Material: Silver or silver-plated metal with a central copper/brass medallion
Dimensions: 44.16 mm (height) x 40.46 mm (width)
Front Design (Obverse)
Shape: A radiant starburst design with pointed rays extending outward.
Center Medallion:
Circular, slightly raised, and surrounded by a beaded border.
Inscription: "4. Prs.", which likely stands for "4. Preis" (4th Prize).
Material: Appears to be brass or copper, contrasting with the silver-colored starburst.
Attachment:
Suspended from a green and white striped ribbon via a metal loop and suspension ring.
The ribbon follows the traditional Prussian color scheme, which was often used in military and shooting awards.
Back Design (Reverse)
Plain back with engraved text:
Inscription: "Absch. 25", which could refer to a specific Abschitts (district/section) or the year of the competition (potentially 1925 or a unit marking).
Metal Surface: Shows signs of age, with patina and oxidation, indicating period authenticity.
Ribbon & Pinback
Ribbon Type: Triangular folded ribbon with green and white stripes, attached to a brass-colored mounting plate.
Fastening Mechanism:
Features a brass pinback clasp, a typical attachment system for wearing the medal on a uniform or civilian attire.
Historical Context
This medal was likely awarded in Prussia (a German kingdom until 1918) for excellence in a marksmanship competition. Shooting competitions were highly regarded in German culture, and awards like these were presented to military personnel, members of shooting clubs (Schützenvereine), and sometimes civilians who demonstrated outstanding accuracy in target shooting.
Such awards were commonly given by:
Military shooting events organized by regiments.
Civilian shooting societies (Schützenvereine), which were popular in German communities.
Regional shooting festivals, where different districts or towns competed in marksmanship.
This Prussian shooting award medal is a fine example of Imperial German marksmanship tradition. The 4th place ranking suggests it was given for a lower but still notable achievement in a shooting event. The Absch. 25 engraving likely relates to a specific event or competition. Given its design and materials, this is a rare collectible piece from the German Imperial era, particularly for those interested in Prussian or military memorabilia.
Condition:
1. Obverse (Front Side) Condition
Structural Integrity: The starburst design remains well-defined, with sharp rays extending outward. There are no significant deformations or cracks.
Legibility: The "4. Prs." inscription is clear and legible, with only minor surface wear.
Surface Wear & Patina: Visible patina and oxidation, particularly on the central copper/brass medallion, giving it an aged appearance. The silver-plated or base metal areas show some tarnishing and minor discoloration.
Beaded Border: The raised beaded edge around the center remains mostly intact, though minor wear is noticeable.
2. Reverse (Back Side) Condition
Engraving Visibility: The "Absch. 25" inscription remains legible, though slightly faded due to surface wear.
Patina & Oxidation: The reverse side shows noticeable aging, with oxidation and tarnishing present. This is common for older medals, particularly those exposed to air and moisture over time.
Structural Condition: No visible cracks, dents, or major damage.