BELGIUM. Adolphe Max Mayor of Brussels Bronze Medal, 1914. CHOICE ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.cf. Lefebure-2336. By Godefroid Devreese. Diameter: 64mm. Obverse: Uniformed bust of the mayor facing three-quarters left; small image of St. Michael and the devil to the right, date below; signature at left, perimeter legend ADOLPHE MAX BOURGMESTRE DE BRUXELLES; Reverse: Rooster facing right with left leg raised, justice scales behind; signature at lower right, perimeter legend LES VERTUS CIVIQUES . JUSTICE . VIGILANCE . CHARITÉ; Edge: FONSON & CIE. Max became a municipal councilor in 1903, an alderman starting in 1908, and was appointed mayor by Leopold II just days before the kings death. Max maintained his role in a dignified manner during the German occupation in World War I but was ultimately arrested and imprisoned in Germany for refusing to pay war contributions in light of German requisitioning of food. He returned after the armistice and served as mayor for another 21 years. Scarce in this large size; some obverse spotting.Donated to the American Numismatic Society to be sold to benefit its programs.
