This is the medallion prepared by the British as a propaganda piece to try and turn public opinion against the "callous" German Navy, and the medallist - Karl Goetz.

Both Goetz, and the German government were accused of issuing a medallion glorifying the premeditated attack on innocent civilians having prepared the attack and the medallion prior to the event which was to take place on May 5th, but did not actually happen until May 7th. The assumptions of the British were incorrect, as it would appear that Goetz was not in fact applauding the German naval action in sinking a ship with so many civilians on it - but that he was actually satirising the shipping company - Cunard - for accepting passengers on a ship which was carrying munitions of war.

The original cardboard box has a picture of the liner on the front and has a hinged lid which is usually loose, and may have the top edge missing. This is often still in its original position - stuck to one of the edges of the base. This can be reasonably repaired. The original leaflet explaining why it was issued should also accompany the item. As the medal is made of iron, which rusts, there are normally orange coloured stains on the box and the leaflet. Sometimes a missing leaflet has been replaced with a photo-copy which is obvious by the stains being black. The original leaflet will have been folded into 12 sections.

Note: Some British medallions were issued without either box, or leaflet. The American (Philadelphia) medallion is as this image