German Awards - Gold Medal "For Merit in the Field of Art and Science" 1904

The medal shown here is the highest step for art and science. Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig established on June 4, 1904 new medals for art and science, as well as for agriculture and trade. Medals, unlike those awarded earlier, had a completely new coinage and were awarded separately for two areas with different inscriptions. Medals, as before, were awarded in 2 classes: Gold (silver gilded) medal "For Merit" and Silver Medal "For Merit." Gold medals were worn around the neck, silver on one ribbon on the chest. Whether the wearing regime has always been observed can be doubted. All medals are matte gilded or silver plated. The medal for merit in gold was ranked along with the knight's cross of the 1st class of the Order of Ludevig and the commander of the 2nd class of the Order of Philip. Stamps for these medals were made by professor of fine arts Rudolf Bosselt in Darmstadt. Medals could also be awarded to groups. Medals without silver stamps are known. Nemmergut points to the award of the Darmstadt Music Association on 25 February 1907. The exact numbers of rental and manufacture are unknown. Source: J. Nimmergut, Deutsche Orden und Ehrenzeichen bis 1945, vol. I, 1997.

Round medal made of matte gilded silver with a flat border. Above is a flattened triangular element with a hole. Elongated band ring widening upwards passes through hole. On the left along the edge are silver stamps - SILVER - 900.

Front side:

In the
• center is a large stone bench, which stands on a wide horizontal base.
• On a bench nearby sit two people holding their right hand.
• (allegorical depiction as art and science)
• The left person with his left hand covers the shoulder of the right person.
• The left hand lies on his knees. On the pedestal is a flat embossed font:
• - ART - and - SCIENCE - Under the pedestal is a highly stylized owl.
• To the left and right of the stone bench are small laurel trees with 2 branches.
• The foliage of the trees completely fills the upper background behind the individuals.

Downside:

• Along the edge wide, separated inward with a flat edge, ring
• It bears the inscription: - ° - MUCH - ° - IS - ° - VOCATION - ° - BUT - ° -
• - LOW - ° - YES - ° - SELECTED -.
In
• a surrounded field, a circulating thick laurel wreath.
• The central one is a vertically standing rectangular shield with corners protruding downward.
• At the bottom, the shield is slightly superimposed on the outer ring. At the top of the shield is a large crown.
• The crown with its apex is superimposed on the outer ring. An imperial apple with a cross goes to the edge.
• A laurel wreath runs from above the crown, and a rectangular shield is superimposed from below.
In the
• center of the shield is an oval depression with raised intertwined letters - E - L -.
• Below in the oval is a curved font: - ° - DEM - MERIT - ° -.

Tape:

• 36 mm, alternating 5 x red/4 x white 4 mm.

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