Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver. The obverse bears the image of a Corinthian column in the foreground, with the city in the background and clouds in the sky. Below the image is marked "NEVS.F.". The reverse bears the inscription "AUGSBURGS BEWAFFNETEN BÜRGERN FÜR ERWORBNE VERDIENSTE UM DIE VATERSTADT ZUM ANDENKEN GEWIDMET VON DANKBAREN MITBÜRGERN UND EINWOHNERN 1796" (dedicated to Augsburg's armed citizens in memory of their merit for the city by thankful citizens and residents) encompassed by an oak leaf wreath. This medal did not contain a loop and was non-wearable.

History

The Militia Service Medal was founded on October 31, 1796 by the Honorable Council of Augsburg. The medal was conferred upon citizens of Augsburg who formed a military corps to fight against Revolutionary France during the War of the First Coalition. The War of the First Coalition was the first attempt made by the great dynastic powers of Europe to defeat Revolutionary France.

In 1795, the citizens of Augsburg organized their own military corps due to the growing threat of the First Coalition War. Throughout the conflict, the Augsburg militia provided and maintained order, security, and lighting in the city. A total of 819 medals were awarded.