Description: Beautiful historical Wilhelm II Bronze 5 HELLER from German East Africa, dated 1916 T. The coin is known as a "Gun Metal Coin," and is identified as KM# 14.2. A bit of history. These coins were minted and issued by the German colonial government as they were successfully fighting a guerrilla war against overwhelming Allied forces. The German forces were commanded by General Paul Emil von Lettow-Vorbeck (1870-1964), nicknamed affectionately as the Löwe von Afrika (Lion of Africa). For four years, with a force that never exceeded about 14,000 men (3,000 Germans and 11,000 Africans, or Askaris), he held in check a much larger force of British, Belgian, and Portuguese troops under the famous South African military leader General Smuts, who led a force of 300,000 soldiers over the mountain slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro and rugged African bush. A master of guerrilla warfare, General von Lettow-Vorbeck treated his African Askaris no differently from white Germans under his command. His fluency in the Swahili language earned the respect and admiration of his African soldiers; he appointed black officers and said "We are all Africans here.” In one historian’s estimation, “It is probable that no white commander of the era had so keen an appreciation of the African’s worth not only as a fighting man but as a man.” General von Lettow-Vorbeck was never defeated in battle, and only surrendered after learning about the Armistice in November 1918. The British repatriated the white German soldiers but confined the Askaris in squalid camps. General von Lettow-Vorbeck refused to leave until he had won promises of decent treatment and early release for his Askari troops. Returning to Germany as a national hero, von Lettow-Vorbeck became active in politics and tried to establish a conservative opposition to the Nazis. He was able to bring some of his black officers with him to serve in the German Freikorps. When Hitler offered him the ambassadorship to the Court of St. James in 1935, he told Hitler to “go f**k himself.” Although repeatedly harassed by the Nazis, he survived their regime due to his popularity as a genuine German hero. The old general never forgot his Askaris, and he returned to East Africa in 1953 where he was tearfully welcomed by his surviving soldiers. Upon returning to Europe, he campaigned to provide for their welfare. When von Lettow-Vorbeck died at the age of 93 in 1964, the West German government flew in two former Askaris as state guests so that they could attend the funeral of “their” general. A few months later, his fondest wish became reality when the West German Bundestag voted to deliver back pay to the 350 surviving Askaris in Africa.There was a dire shortage of every day items, including brass ingots, so to make these coins the besieged Germans melted down a 4.1" brass gun taken from the German Cruiser the SMS Konigsberg that had been earlier scuttled in the Rufiji river delta after being sunk by the Allies, and a further source of metal was English Cartridge Cases and artillery shell casings. A few coins were also struck in copper and bronze. These coins were made from scrap copper and brass. Sources include spent cartridges, wiring, home furnishings, and so on. All are crudely struck except for the gold coins which were more carefully designed and produced on a steam-driven palm oil press.A rudimentary stamp was used at the Tabora "mint" to produce these coins struck crudely out of "gun metal" - resulting in a rough finish in most cases. Among he first coins struck were the 5 HELLER coins in brass. Your coin will be shipped as soon as payment is received. If you have any questions let me know before you bid. Shipping in the US is free. These rates do not apply to foreign purchasers, the rates depend on the country. You can rest assured I will find the cheapest and safest option, please check before you bid. I combine shipments. Thanks and good luck!
Price: 44.45 USD
Location: Bloomington, Indiana
End Time: 2024-09-16T14:29:27.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Composition: Brass
Year: 1916
Certification: Uncertified
