Germany, Third Reich. A Rare Goethe Medal for Art and Science, with Case, to Adolf Sandberger

(Goethe-Medaille für Kunst und Wissenschaft mit Etui). Instituted 22 March 1932 by Paul von Hindenburg. (1932-1944 issue). Constructed of silver, the obverse bearing a central raised German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, situated above an inscription of “FÜR KUNST UND WISSENSCHAFT” (“FOR ART AND SCIENCE”), circumscribed by an inscription of “GESTIFTET VOM REICHSPRÄSIDENT VON HINDENBURG 1932” (“FOUNDED BY REICHSPRÄSIDENT VON HINDENBURG 1932”), the reverse bearing a leftward-facing profile of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in high relief, flanked by surname, the edge engraved with a recipient’s name of “ADOLF SANDBERGER”, also stamped with a crescent moon indicating German manufacture, a silver content number of “835”, and the maker’s mark of the Berlin Mint, measuring 69.81 mm in diameter, weighing 118.2 grams, accompanied by an original presentation case, constructed of a wooden frame, the exterior with a faux black leather exterior liner, the lid bearing a gilt German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, the interior with a white satin lid liner and intact hinge cover, with a depressed slate-grey velvet medal bed, closing with a functional metal spring catch with exterior stud release, the base maker marked with the logo of the Berlin Mint, measuring 90 mm (w) x 90 mm (l) x 30 mm (h), a rare distinction in extremely fine condition.

Footnote: Adolf Sandberger (b. 19 December 1864 in Würzburg, d. 14 January 1943 in Munich) was a composer and musicologist who specialized in 16th century music. He was the founder of the School of Musicology at the University of Munich, where he worked as a professor from 1904 until 1930. His personal repertoire included a number of operas and chamber music.