Awards of Germany - Medal "For Military Merit" (form 1870)

The Military Merit Medal was established on May 30, 1850 by Prince Georg Wilhelm. It was awarded to soldiers who, as a result of hostilities, earned special recognition from the prince. Medals were not refundable. The stamps were made by Friedrich Bremer. The medals were made at the Hanover Mint. The first form of the medal bears the name of the bearer as an edge engraving. 2 medals have edge engraving of the battle site "Duppel Heights April 17, 1849." In total, 60 awards of these medals are known. During the war of 1870/71, Westphalian Jaeger Battalion No. 7. Prince Adolf Georg formlessly updated the Military Merit Medal for Honored Battalion Rangers. Medals correspond to the first form, but do not have edge engraving. In addition, 2 crossed sabers (curved blades) were attached to the tape. Characteristic of the first 2 forms is a donated ironing eye. The last update came during World War I. On these medals, an ordinary ear is knocked out from above, they are somewhat thinner and carry 2 crossed swords (straight blades) on the ribbon. The award number is indicated for the period from 1864 to 1871 in 583 pieces. Stamps remained unchanged throughout.

Round silver medal with raised border. On top is a donated wide ironing eye with a ribbon ring. There are 2 crossed sabers on the tape. (not shown)

Front side:

• Along the edge there is a dense laurel wreath open from above with fruits of 4 groups of leaves.
• The latter with crossed stems is tied at the bottom with a double loop.
In
• a closed field, the letters - G - W - are intertwined in the center.
• A fed princely hat hovers freely above him. The tip is covered with an eye.

Downside:

• Along the edge is a dense, almost closed laurel wreath with fruits of 5 groups of leaves.
• In the nested field, a 3-line enlarged font: - FOR -/- MILITARY -/- MERIT -.
• Including 2 flat crossed sabers. They touch the wreath with brackets and tips.

Tape:

.

Obverse: Military Merit Medal (uniform 1870)

Reverse: Military Merit Medal (1870 uniform)

Established:

May 30, 1850 Prince Georg Wilhelm
1870 Renewal by Prince Adolf Georg

Awarded:

1870 – 1871

Data:

• Material: Silver
• Size: 30mm, 2 x 35.5mm sabre
• Weight: approx. 17.5g

estimated collector price:

2100 - 2300 € edge engraved
350 - 400 € without edge engraving with sabre strip

OEK Number:

1250, 1251