German Awards - Silver Medal for Life Saving 5. 1903 model

This lifesaving medal is the 5th model under King George of Saxony. After the government came to power in 1902, a new front-wheel drive stamp was ordered. Delivery was carried out only in March 1903. Medals were still to be awarded in gold, silver and bronze. In total, it is supposed to mint only 64 medals for all 3 stages. The Silver Lifesaving Medal shown here is listed with a circulation of 36. Awarding bronze is considered questionable.
The stamps were made by Friedrich Johannes Maximilian Bardulek (1846-1923). The latter was a mint engraver at the royal mint from 1871 to 1911. Before that, he had already worked and studied there since 1865.
Lifesaving medals were first introduced in the Kingdom of Saxony in 1831. On May 18, 1831, King Anton, together with his co-ruler Frederick Augustus of Saxony, established rescue medals in gold, silver and bronze. Prior to that, bonuses were paid for rescue statuses, which, according to the fund, were provided only in the form of exceptions. The appropriate level was evaluated and awarded depending on the danger in which the rescuer was, or on the success rate of the rescue act. To receive the medal, it was necessary to look for the appropriate government district and justify the requested level. Medals were awarded in 6 models with the image of the ruling king on the front. The 1st form was granted in 1831-1836 and carried portraits of both founders. The awarding of gold medals has not been confirmed. The 2nd form of 1836-1854 carried a portrait of King Frederick Augustus II, the 3rd form of 1854-1873 - a portrait of King Johann, the 4th form of 1873-1902 - a portrait of King Albert, the 5th form of 1902-1904 - a portrait of King George. The last model depicts Frederick Augustus III. The medal for saving a life was not refundable and remained with the heirs.

Round silver medal with rim. An ordinary eye with a ribbon ring is soldered on top.

Front side:

• Along the edge is the inscription: - GEORGE - KING - VON - SAXONY -
• On the right is a portrait of the king.
• Under die cutter neck - M.BARDUCK FEC. -.

Downside:

• Along the edge at a distance is a dense oak-deciduous wreath.
• Above and below they are connected crosswise.
• In the included field, three-line font:
• - FOR -/- LIFE = -/- SALVATION -.

Tape:

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Front: Silver Medal for Saving Lives 5. 1903 model

Reverse: Silver Lifesaving Medal 5. 1903 model

Established:

May 18, 1831 by King Anton and co-ruler Frederick Augustus
1903 - Portrait of King George

Awarded:

1903 – 1904

Data:

• Material: Silver
• Size: 35.5mm
• Weight: About 21g

estimated collector price:

900 – 1100 €

OEK Number:

2241