German Awards - Order of Merit in the Field of Science and Art 1. Model 1873.

The order was established on July 30, 1873 and September 19, 1875 by the Duke of Anhalt Frederick I (1871-1904). This order was a replacement for the medal for art and science, awarded until 1869. In 1875, the Order of Merit was annexed to the Home Order and stood in the rank between the Knight's Cross 2. Class and Gold Medal of Merit. In 1905, the appearance was changed (2nd form). Expansion occurred in 1912 with the introduction of the 2nd and 3rd. Class instead. 3rd grade was awarded silver.
Persons were awarded in recognition and encouragement of excellent and special achievements in the field of science and art.

Oval badge of honor made of gilded bronze. The edge is formed of 24 pointed rays. Front and back with an oval central shield. A 13 mm gold crown is attached on top. A ribbon ring passes through the imperial crown apple.

Front side:

• The oval median shield has a wide recessed margin bounded by pearl lines inside and out.
• Down the Edge - DUKE - OT - ANHALT -
In
• a closed, perpendicular hatched field, an ornamented letter - F - in Gothic form.

Downside:

• Oval median scutellum with raised margin.
• Along the edge of 2 below, wide laurel branches tied in a double loop
• In a nested smooth field, the font is 4 lines:
• - FOR -/- SCIENCE -/- AND -/- ART -.

Tape:

38mm wide dark green, sidebar 8mm dark red

Photos taken with support: www.erdmann-militaria.de.