German Awards - Military Merit Medal 1. Class in gold

The medal "For military services to German protected areas (colonies)" was established on May 11, 1892 by the king and emperor Wilhelm II. donated. Until that time, he was awarded the Prussian medal "For Military Merit." The medal consisted of 2 classes and was awarded to colored soldiers in German protected areas, except for German East Africa. 1st class was awarded to officers of color for valiant deeds during hostilities. 2nd class was intended for colored soldiers. Since March 25, 1893, the circle of persons eligible for admission has been expanded to officers and rank-and-file police and security forces. Both classes are made of silver and gold. Medals "For Military Merit," like the medal of the Order of the Red Eagle and the medal of the Order of the Crown, did not belong to the Prussian order system. The medal was awarded, for example, during the Herero uprising in German South-West Africa. 1st grade is exceptionally rare, as very few awards are known. On the front side of the 1st class medal, unlike the Prussian medal "For Military Merit" (crowned cipher), a portrait of the emperor was depicted, which can also be seen on coins of German East Africa. The 2nd class with a size of 25 mm coincides with the Prussian medal "For Military Merit." 1st class stamps were created by Emil Weigand, the first medalist of the main Berlin coin.

Round medal of gilded silver with a raised border. On top there is an embossed parallel tab for pulling the tape.

Front side:

In the
• center of the picture is a portrait of Emperor William II. It reaches the bottom edge.
• He wears a Corps Guard uniform with cuirasses and a ceremonial helmet with an eagle.
• On the left along the edge there is an inscription: - GUILELMUS - II -, on the right along the edge - IMPERATOR -.
In the shoulder
• region there is a small signature - E.V. - for Emil Weigand.

Downside:

A
• short distance from the edge is a thick laurel wreath, tied from below with a loop.
• In the included field, 2-line raised font - WARRIOR -/- MERIT -.

Tape:

black 36 mm wide, edges 3 mm, side stripes white 6 mm.

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