German Awards - 1917 Iron Warrior Badges of Honor

This award was established on March 13, 1917 on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the reign of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig. He was to again become an external honorary sign of recognition of the glorious struggle and military exploits of his Hessians. It was intended for persons who distinguished themselves with special courage and long service on the front line. The conditions for assignment were: Hessian citizenship, belonging for at least 2 years to units in the combat zone under the influence of the enemy, one or more wounds, as well as valor and good command. There are no deviations from these conditions.
Various badges were made, blackened in iron and silver, blackened and silver-plated or black-painted parts. There are also middle parts made of aluminum. Non-ferrous metal variants are also known.

Round in basic form, the openwork badge of iron (or non-ferrous metal) is partially blackened or painted. The middle part is silver-plated. At the back is a vertical pin. The crown monogram is riveted at the top and bottom with 2 commensurate eyes.

Front side:

• The circular border is formed by a dense black laurel wreath.
In the
• center there is a silver-plated monogram - E - L -.
• On - L - sits a silver ducal crown, lying on a laurel wreath and towering above it.
• Sub - L - also silver-plated curved shield with - 25 -
• It is also slightly superior to the black laurel wreath.

Downside:

• The laurel wreath (smooth) is also black. Vertical pin.