Awards of Germany - Seniority of non-commissioned officers for 15 years

Seniority marks (service awards) were established on December 15, 1840 by a decision of the Senate Council of the Free City of Frankfurt. The badge of honor served as a reward for many years of faithful and unquestioning service in the Frankfurt line army. An award was established for officers, which was awarded after 25 years, and 3 degrees for non-commissioned officers, sailors and soldiers. The steps were a cross of 10 years in bronze, a cross of 15 years in silver and a cross of 25 years in silver. The corresponding service life is in Roman numerals on the upper cross sleeve. The reverse seal was the same for all service awards. The war years were considered double, as was the year of injury. Upon reaching a higher stage or death, the badge of honor was subject to return. The crosses are modeled after service awards in the Duchy of Nassau in size and design. A monthly maintenance allowance was associated with the award. For 10 years there was 1 guilder, for 15 years 1.5 guilders and for 25 years of service 2 guilders of allowance.
The first stamp for the badge of honor was cut by the coin master Tomschütz from Frankfurt. Due to wear and tear, a new reverse stamp had to be made in 1847. It was made by the Ducal-Nassau medalist Zollmann of Wiesbaden. The differences are only small in linearity and intervals of 1840. The exact dates of the award are unknown to me. However, due to the small size of the units, these signs are among the very rare awards.

Eight-pointed cross made of dark bronze. The ends of the crosses are only slightly beveled towards the center. Front and rear with a round central shield. Between the tips of the upper cruciform shoulder, the usual eye with a ribbon ring is soldered.

Front side:

• The medallion is surrounded by a closed oak-leafy wreath with 23 groups of leaves.
In
• a surrounded field, on a vertically shaded background, the crowned eagle of Frankfurt.
• On smooth cruciform shoulders, the relief font increases: above - XV - (15),
• right - IAHRE -, lower (head) - TREUER -, left - SERVICES -.

Downside:

• The medallion is surrounded by a closed oak-leafy wreath with 23 groups of leaves.
In the
• center, on a smooth background, the year increases - 1840 -.

Tape:

red 36 mm wide, edges 1 mm, side stripes white 6 mm.

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Photos courtesy of Arnold Auction House, Frankfurt/Main.