K-277
KING OF CARDS
(Kartenkönig)
1921, Cast bronze, Satirical medal, 59.8mm, 68.40g.
Obverse: "Schein" (Appearance) in ribboned banner. Wilhelm II approaches the Netherlands tax office "Niederländ Steveramt". Still wearing his Kaiser uniform with sword, Wilhelm extends his upturned helmet in a begging position and announces. "Ein armer Mann.......bitte, ich habe nur 1 1/2 mill Gulden" ( I am a poor man, please, I have only 1 1/2 million Gulden). A tax office employee looks at the Kaiser from the office window, right, with potted tulips on the sill. Dated 1921 in exergue.
Reverse: "Und Sein" (and Reality) in ribboned banners on the left and right. The former Kaiser, in the form of a 'King of Hearts' in a deck of cards, holds a treasure box inscribed, "160 millionen Gold". KG in the left and right fields.
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Satirizing the former Kaiser's tax declaration against his actual net worth.
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