1 Mill

Mint Period: 1611-1632
Denomination: Wooden Medal - Gustavus II Adolphus
Medallist (engraver): probably Martin Brunner (not signed)
Condition: Minor wear, lacqured (as made), otherwise XF for type and material!
References: Hildebrand I, page 151, 95 var. (there as an oval merit medal, which was struck during 1631), Hildebrand I, page 214, 241 var. (there a later interpretation by Christian Wermuth, struck during 1718).
Material: Boxwood
Thickness: 11mm
Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 11.07gm   

Obverse: Wreathed and draped bust of Gustav II Adolphus right.
Legend: GUST . ADOLPH . D : G SUE GOT . UAN . R . M . P . F . DUX . ET H . ETC . I . DO :

Reverse: Rampart lion holding shield in left hand and brandishing sword with right, standing on a pile of war trophies (flags, cannons, cannonballs and other weaponry).
Legend: DEO ET VICTRICIBUS ARMIS

An unusual medium for medallic art, buxus sempervirens, more commonly   known as boxwood, was an important wood used for the crafting of   clarinets, engraving, marquetry, woodturning, tool handles, and as a   substitute for ivory. The characteristic slow growth of boxwood renders a   material which is very hard and free of the grain usually produced by   growth rings. The usage of boxwood blocks for engraving was pioneered in   the late 18th century by Thomas Bewick, though this pair of medals   predates his manufacture. Nevertheless, the result is of astonishing   craftsmanship and offers a rare opportunity to the collector of William   and Mary ephemera.

Gustav II Adolf, (9 December 1594 – 6 November 1632 (O.S.) or Gustav II Adolphus, widely known in English by the Latinized name Gustavus Adolphus and variously in historical writings sometimes as simply just Gustavus, or Gustavus the Great, or Gustav Adolf the Great, (Swedish: Gustav Adolf den store, from the special distinction passed by the Swedish Parliament in 1634), was founder of the Swedish Empire (or Stormaktstiden – "the era of great power") at the beginning of what is widely regarded as the Golden Age of Sweden.

In the era, which was characterized by nearly endless warfare, he led his armies as King of Sweden—from 1611, as a seventeen year old, until his death in battle while leading a charge during 1632 in the bloody Thirty Years' war—as Sweden rose from the status as a mere regional power and run-of-the-mill kingdom to one of the great powers of Europe and a model of early modern era government. Sweden expanded to become the third biggest nation in Europe after Russia and Spain within only a few years during his reign. Some have called him the father of modern warfare, or the first great modern general. It is indisputable that under his tutelage, Sweden and the Protestant cause developed a host of good generals—who continued to expand the empires' strength and influence long after his death in battle.

He was known by the epithets "The Golden King" and "The Lion of the North" by neighboring sovereigns. Gustavus Adolphus is today commemorated in three city squares, one in Stockholm, a second one in Gothenburg and the third in Sundsvall.

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