Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of gold. The obverse bears the bust of Grand Duke Friedrich I, with the inscription "FRIEDRICH GROSHERZOG VON BADEN". The reverse bears the image of Badenia with a wreath in one hand and the other resting on a griffin. With the inscription "DEM VERDIENST GEWIDMET VON FÜRST UND VATERLAND" (bestowed for merit by duke and fatherland). The reverse can also bear the inscription "FÜR VERDIENST" (for merit) within an oak leaf wreath.

History

The Civil Merit Medal was introduced in 1769 under Margrave Carl Friedrich (Charles Frederick). It was conferred upon civil officers of lower rank who rendered long and faithful service. It was also awarded to private citizens who distinguished themselves in the arts or industry, as well as to individuals who provided assistance in life threatening situations.

Initially, the medal was not meant to be worn. This changed towards the end of the 18th century.
In 1796, a new stamp was created based on a medal that was introduced for the 50th anniversary of Margrave Carl Friedrich’s reign. Since 1810, the reverse shows the female patron of Baden, the “Badenia”, holding a laurel wreath in one hand and resting her other hand on a griffin.

In 1811, Margrave Carl Friedrich was succeeded by his grandson, Grand Duke Carl I. The Civil Merit Medal continued to be awarded with the portrait of Margrave Carl Friedrich until 1817, when a decoration with the effigy of Grand Duke Carl I was introduced.

With the death of Carl I in 1818, Grand Duke Ludwig I followed him to the throne. On February 18, 1819, Ludwig commissioned medallist C. W. Doell to create a new obverse stamp.
In 1828, yet another obverse stamp was created by Ludwig Kachel, Karlsruhe, with a portrait of an older Grand Duke Ludwig I.

The Grand Duke to follow Ludwig I was Leopold. In March of 1831, a new stamp for the obverse of the medal was made by Ludwig Kachel. The reverse initially remained unchanged. However, variations of the obverse and reverse stamps were introduced during the following years, leading to numerous versions of slightly different obverses and reverses being mixed.

Friedrich I took over in 1852. Until 1856, he ruled as Prince Regent. The first medals with his portrait were made in 1855. The reverse of the medal remained unchanged.

In 1856, Friedrich became Grand Duke. The inscription on the obverse of the medallion needed to be altered to reflect his elevated status.

In 1868, a new obverse stamp that was designed by Christian Schnitzspahn was introduced. The new obverse design featured the portrait of an older Friedrich I. In addition, a new reverse stamp with a short inscription inside a wreath of leaves was introduced by Schnitzspahn's father-in-law, Ludwig Kachel.