German Awards - 3rd Class Service Award for Non-Commissioned Officers (Buckle) 1849

Elector Friedrich Wilhelm instituted buckle-shaped service awards on 16 March 1849. The 1835 Service Distinction Statutes were repealed and amended. Years of service were changed to 21 years for 1st class, gold-plated silver bracket, 15 years for 2nd class, silver bracket and 9 years for 3rd class shown here, iron bracket with silver frame. Garrison troops, gendarmerie officers and a home for the disabled, which had been considered until now, were no longer among those eligible. They were no longer among the fighters of the standing army. With service awards for non-commissioned officers, the Elector also instituted a merit cross after 25 years for officers. Service awards issued by then could continue to be worn. The award date annually became August 20 (the birthday of Friedrich Wilhelm). In the event of death or promotion, the badge of honour was to be returned to the regiment. Service awards were extremely rare due to the size of the contingent. The only manufacturer is Kaupert. In the Elector of Hesse-Kassel, service awards for non-commissioned officers were first established in 1835. They were awarded the cross for 20, 15 and 10 years of service. Source: Jörg Nemmergut "German Orders and Insignia until 1945" Volume 1, 1999.

Rectangular iron buckle with silver border. On the reverse side is a sewn metal strip for stretching the order ribbon. In a horizontal position - a pin with a hook. Here without manufacturer's signature

Front side:

• The screed has a silver, raised, smooth rim. The inner part is made of iron.
In
• the closed field, raised letters in Gothic font:
• - F - ° - W - ° - I - ° - for Friedrich Wilhelm I.

Downside:

• An order ribbon is passed through a wide metal lintel.
• A horizontal pin with a mating hook is soldered.

Photos of www.Militariasammlung.de