German Awards - 1853 Silver Medal of Merit in Science, Art, Industry and Agriculture

The medal was established on May 21, 1853 by the Grand Duke Ludwig III. Awarded to figures of science, art, industry and agriculture who have earned true and outstanding services. The medal should be both an encouragement and an award. The medal was established in gold and silver. The seal on the front side was made by Karl Friedrich Voigt, who at that time worked as the chief engraver and court medalist in Munich. After death, the medal was subject to return. The front sides of the medals were changed 2 times each after the new Grand Duke took office. Grand Duke Ludwig IV. On June 8, 1889, a government order was issued, on the front side of which his portrait was to be depicted. His successor, Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig, effected the change with his portrait in 1894. The rules and statutes were adopted by both successors. On August 2, 1902, only the uniform of wearing the gold medal was changed. Now it was worn around the neck. A fundamental change was the division and redevelopment of medals on June 4, 1904. Currently, separate medals have been awarded for merit in the field of art and science, as well as in the field of agriculture and trade of various designs. Medals coincide in coinage, size and weight with medals of the Order of Ludevig and the General Badge of Honor. The difference lies in the inscription of the reverse side. This medal is worn on the back - MERIT -, others - FOR MERIT -. The tape has colors 5 x red, 4 x white 4 mm in alternation.

Round silver medal with rim. Above is a soldered ordinary eye with a ribbon ring.

Front side:

In the
• center is a portrait of the Grand Duke with a mustache, facing left.
• On the margins is the inscription: - LUDWIG - III - GROSHERZOG - VON - HESSEN -.
• Under the cervical region is small - C. VOIGT -.

Downside:

• Along the edge is a wreath tied from below with a double loop.
• It consists of left laurel foliage and right oak foliage with 7 groups of leaves each.
• In the included field, the 2-line font is DEM -/- VALUES -.

Tape:

36 mm, alternating 5 x red/4 x white 4 mm.

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