German Awards - 1864 Fire Relief Commemorative Medal

This commemorative medal was established on September 3, 1864 by Duke Ernst I. He handed them over in grateful memory of the successful fire services rendered in the fire at the castle of the residence in Altenburg, and of the assistance rendered by other people. The medal was paid for by the Duke's private casket.
On August 24, 1864, a fire broke out in Altenburg Castle. In the early morning, a thunderous bell rang. The hall building was engulfed in flames and burned down in a short time. The fire broke out in the northern part of the stable, where there was a large hall. The fire completely destroyed the building, with the exception of the basement, and also destroyed the side wing of the main building adjacent to it. There was also a strong storm on this day, which contributed to the spread of the flame. The spread of the fire was prevented thanks to the excellent efforts of the local fire brigade, thanks to which the Armory, antiques, etc. were saved. The private spaces below were also retained. Fire brigades from the surrounding area, as well as Leipzig, also took part in the fight against fire. By evening, fire brigades returned. Miraculously, not a single person died.
A new fire in the castle on September 30, 1868 claimed the lives of 6 people and led to numerous casualties.
The stigma of the medal was made by Gustav Julius Buszyk. The coinage of the medal was taken over by the royal Saxon mint in Dresden. The latter delivered 697 medals to Gürtler Spindler, who attached ears and a ribbon ring. A total of 627 medals were awarded. 466 medals were received by city firefighters, 123 by yard firefighters and 38 medals were awarded to others. Presumably, these were leaders or members of other fire departments rushing to help. Known, in particular, the duke himself, the Privy Council of Ministers Larisha and Lieutenant Prichel. The unspent medals were returned to the ducal casket on April 4, 1865. Many medals were later gilded privately by the wearers, suggesting a high reputation.

Round bronze medal with raised edges. On both sides is a circular pearl thread. On top is a stronger eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

• Along the edge there is an inscription: - ERNST - HERZOG - VON - SACHSEN - ALTENBURG - at the bottom there is one - B - for Bushik.
In the
• center is a portrait of Duke Ernst I, facing right.

Downside:

• Above is a small 4-leaf rosette. A 3-line font is slightly curved under it:
• - B - GRATEFUL - MEMORY -/- TO - WHO - B - WHERE - FIRE -/- OUR - RESIDENCE CASTLE -.
• The central line is 3-line - ZU -/- ALTENBURG -/- AM -. Below are oppositely curved 3-line:
• - 24.- AUGUST - 1864 -/- SUCCESSFUL - RENDERED -/- FIRE SERVICE -.

Tape:

26 mm wide in red.

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