Karl Goetz Medal – Kienast 162: “The Baralong Murder” (1915) Satirical Medal

Karl Goetz Medal – Kienast 162: “The Baralong Murder” (1915)

A dramatic and controversial medal by Karl Goetz, Kienast 162, titled “The Baralong Murder” (Baralong Mörder), commemorates one of the most notorious naval incidents of World War I. The event occurred on August 19, 1915, when the British Q-ship Baralong, disguised as a merchant vessel and flying the American flag, sank the German submarine U-27. Goetz’s medal reflects the German outrage over the perceived deception and the reported killing of survivors.

The obverse inscription reads “Baralong Murderer August 19, 1915.”, conveying Goetz’s sharp condemnation of the event. The reverse inscription, “Home-coming of the victor.”, underscores his bitter commentary on the nature of wartime propaganda and public celebration. On the accompanying ribbons appears the phrase “To the fighters for culture.”, an additional layer of irony pointing to the moral rhetoric of the time.

Cast in 58 mm, the medal is a striking example of Goetz’s ability to capture political tension, emotional charge, and historical drama through bold sculptural detail and symbolic imagery.

Key Features:

• Artist: Karl Goetz
• Catalog reference: Kienast 162 / Opus 162
• Title: “The Baralong Murder”
• Year: 1915
• Diameter: 58 mm
• Theme: WWI naval conflict, wartime propaganda, political satire

Highly expressive and historically significant, this medal exemplifies Goetz’s fearless approach to artistic commentary. A compelling addition for collectors of WWI medals, naval history artifacts, and the provocative work of Karl Goetz.