Item number: M280

Year: AD 1897-1901

Material: Bronze

Size: 34.6 x 29.9 x 1.7 mm

Weight: 9.65 g

Provenance: Private Collector, UK, 2024

The origin of this commemorative medal has been the subject of varying interpretations.

The most common explanation is that it originates from a medal issued after Germany’s participation in the suppression of the Boxer Rebellion as part of the Eight-Nation Alliance. However, this medal is notably different from another series of German official medals for the Eight-Nation Alliance. Another theory suggests that the medal was minted after Germany occupied Qingdao in AD 1897. The more credible interpretation denies the official nature of this medal, suggesting that it was privately minted by German soldiers who served in China. Regardless of the explanation, it can be determined that the medal was made to commemorate the service of German soldiers in China.

This brass commemorative badge has the inscription “遵主聖佑忠君報國” (which means “Obey the Lord, Serve the Country with Loyalty”) engraved in a circular pattern. At the centre is a typical depiction of Emperor Wilhelm II’s left-profile bust in military attire. The reverse side is inscribed in German with “Zum Andenken an meine Dienstzeit” (“In memory of my service time in China”) and features a cross emblem along with various weapons, bayonets, and flags. This particular item does not come with a ribbon.

物件編號: M280

年代: 公元 1897-1901 年

材質: Bronze

尺寸: 34.6 x 29.9 x 1.7 mm

重量: 9.65 g

來源: 英國私人收藏

關於此枚紀念章來歷，各家眾說紛紜。

通說是源自德國參與八國聯軍鎮壓義和團事變後的紀念章，但此紀念章明顯與另一系列德國官方押制的八國聯軍紀念章有所不同。另一說則認為此紀念章是德國於公元1897年占領青島後鑄造的紀念章。目前較為可信的說法，則否認此紀念章的官方性質，認為此章係於中國服役的德國軍人自行於中國鑄造之紀念章。無論何種說法，至少可以判定此章為紀念德國軍人於中國服役所製作。

此枚黃銅紀念徽章上環形刻有「遵主聖佑忠君報國」八個大字，中間則是典型的軍裝威廉二世左側半身像。另一面則以德語銘刻「纪念我在中國服役的时光」（Zum Andenken an meine Dienstzeit），並配以十字徽與各式武器、刺槍、旗幟。本品項沒有綬帶。