German Awards - Government 25th Anniversary Silver Commemorative Medal

Duke Frederick I established this commemorative medal on May 22, 1896. This was due to his 25th birthday on the same day. Gradation for gold and silver commemorative medals was not provided for in the constituent act. The award was made personally by the duke to his chosen circle of persons. Silver medals were awarded to court and state officials, duty officers of the Dessau garrison, servants and retinue of princely guests. The design of the medal was developed by Professor Otto Lessing from Berlin. The stamp cutter was Otto Schulz at the Royal Mint in Berlin. The presentation included a certificate of ownership with a facsimile signature of the Minister of State, Dr. von Kozeritz. In 1896, the seal of the medal was transferred to master Otto Ackermann, who subsequently minted 102 silver medals. A total of 682 silver medals were struck 580 of them at the Royal Prussian Mint in Berlin, which also provided 20 silver gilt medals. Source: Gerd Scharfenberg, Orders and badges of honor of the Anhalt states of 1811-1935.

Round medal made of matte silver with a raised border. Then inside along the edge is a circular pearl thread. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring .

Front side:

In the
• center is a portrait of the duke in uniform with an order buckle.
• Duke with an upper lip and beard.
• (Uniform of the Ankhalta Infantry Regiment No. 93)

Downside:

Sitting in
• the center on a pedestal is a crowned female figure with outstretched arms.
• She is wearing a wool dress with a cape draped over debtors.
In
• open hands, she holds 2 figured shields with annual numbers on them.
• On the left is the number of the year - 1871 -, on the right is the number of the year - 1896 -.
• On a pedestal at the feet sit 2 naked children's figures who arrange a laurel garland.
• On the pedestal there is an inscription - that - 22 - May -. Below it is a palm branch.
• Behind the left shoulder, another figure looks like a young man.
• She holds a palm branch in her right hand, and a right trumpet standing behind her head in her left.

Tape:

• Width 30 mm, side stripes silver-green 2.5 mm each, middle stripes pink.

Photo: Private collection of Maximilian Ferdinand Leopold Prince of Anhalt

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