1914, Germany. World War I. DEUTSCHEM HELDENMUT  (German Heroism). Unsigned (By Ludwig Gies). Uniface cast bronze plaquette 68mm x 91mm. Ernsting WVZ 53. $275. Sorry, SOLD ((February, 2023)

Ludwig Gies was born in Munich on September 3, 1887. He attended the Municipal Trade School from 1902-1903. He apprenticed at Winhart & Co., where he learned chasing and attended evening and Sunday classes in wood carving and modelling. While still at Winhart and Co. he studied at the Royal School of Applied Arts, where he was introduced to medal making, which would have a significant impact on his career during which he created numerous medals. He also created sculptures. His crucifix in Lubeck Cathedral was condemned as overly expressionistic. It was vandalized in 1922 and later displayed in the exhibition of “degenerate” art in Munich in 1937. He died on January 27, 1967,