German Awards - General Badge of Merit in 1889

The medal shown here refers to the 2nd edition of the General Badge of Honor under Grand Duke Ludwig IV. and was awarded from 1889 to 1894. Due to the short awarding period, these medals are less common than 1. on the front. The stamps for the medal were made by medalist J. Ries from Darmstadt.
The general badge of honor was established on September 25, 1843 by Ludwig II. established as a civil badge of honor. It was no longer issued until his death in 1848. His son Ludwig III. November 14, 1849 awarded the medal his portrait and statutes. Ludwig IV. modified the front side with a cabinet order of June 8, 1889 with his image. Persons without a special title were awarded for excellent merit, commendable deeds and exceptional achievements. Various advantages differ in the inscription on the reverse. The following inscriptions are known: - FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE -, - FOR MERIT -, - FOR MANY YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE -, - FOR FIFTY YEARS OF FAITHFUL SERVICE -, - FOR SAVING HUMAN LIVES -. The font is 2-line, 3-line and 5-line.

Round silver medal with rim. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center is a portrait of the Grand Duke with a beard.
• On the margins is the inscription: - LUDWIG - IV - GROSHERZOG - VON - HESSEN -.
• Under the cervical region is a small - J. RIES -.

Downside:

• Along the edge is a wreath of a laurel branch on the left and an oak branch on the right.
• They intersect at the bottom and are connected by a double loop.
• In the embedded field there is an inscription in 2 lines: - FOR -/- MERIT -.

Tape:

• light blue 39 mm wide, red edging 2.5 mm.

.

Obverse: Common Badge of Merit 1889

Reverse: Common Badge of Merit 1889

Established:

September 25, 1843 by the Grand Duke Ludwig II.
June 8, 1889 by the Grand Duke Ludwig IV.

Awarded:

1889 – 1894

Data:

• Material: Silver
• Size: 33mm
• Weight: 14-15g

estimated collector price:

270 – 290 €

OEK Number:

878