Czechoslovakia, Republic. A First War Victory Medal

Instituted in 1919. In bronze, the obverse image of the Goddess Victory holding a laurel branch, the reverse bears “Svetova valka, za civilisaci” (Translation: World War for Civilization) with dates 1914-1919, worn on original ribbon, measuring at 36.39 mm (w) x 43.28mm (h) (to top of ring suspension) very fine.

Footnote: This medal was founded as a joint award to commemorate the victory of the Allies Power in World War I. It was conferred to Military personnel within the Armed Forces of the Allied nations.Each of the Allied Powers were charged with creating a medal design to represent their own country. The basic design of this medal was created by Supreme Allied Commander Marshal F. Foche, while the Czechoslovakia version of this medal was designed by Otakar Spaniel. The medals issued first feature a cylindrical suspension, while the medals issued later have a barrel-shaped suspension. The medals issued between 1921-1926 were produced by Alexander Leisek. The medals issued from 1926-1945 were produced by the Kremnica Mint in Slovakia. There was also a glossy version of the medal that was produced by Karnet & Kyselý in Prague between 1945-1948. The medal was discontinued on March 15, 1939.