British and World Coins. Tokens and Historical Medals

World War one, Major-General v. Lettow-Vorbeck, matt silver medal by Hörnlein, 1914-1918, 34mm. Good extremely fine, rare (£50-60)

Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, German commander in East Africa. Lettow Vorbeck repulsed early attempts to dislodge him from East Africa, but faced with further attacks by the allied forces comprising British, South African and Portuguese troops he conceded the principal towns in German East Africa and retreated to the southern part of the country. Not content with a holding operation, he launched a counter offensive, invading Portuguese East Africa late in 1917and attacking Rhodesia the following year. He surrendered three days after the Armistice in Europe. Vastly outnumbered and completely cut off from outside help Lettow Vorbeck’s resistance in East Africa represents one of the most remarkable episodes of World War One. From a numismatic point of view, he is of interest as the ultimate issuing authority for the famous Tabora Sovereigns and emergency base metal coinage of 1916.