History

This medal was instituted by Emperor Franz I on December 2, 1873 on his 25th anniversary as Emperor. It was awarded to citizens, without consideration of rank, that has participated in the one or more campaigns during his reign. These campaigns included 1848, 1849, 1859, 1864, 1866 and 1869. As years went on, it also included the occupation of Bosnia-Herzegovina in 1878, Dalmatia in 1882 and the Boxer Rebellion in 1900.

The obverse medal dies were cut by J. Tautenhayn, Senior, and the reverse medal dies were cut by J. Pfeiffer. It is composed of gun metal and worn on a yellow ribbon with black hatching and a black stripe down each side.

When the First World War broke out in 1914, the discussion regarding using this medal arose. The new Emperor, Karl I approved of the medal being awarded with two Imperial Resolutions. This time, the medal was made of war metal (zinc) instead of gun metal (bronze). There was no official issue of the medals, however at least 2.5 million were made and were marked with KM for Kriegsmetall (war metal).

There are many variations in the attributes of this medal, including difference in portrait type, pendant design, letter size, and inscription.