Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Grand Duke Ludwig III on a smooth background, with the circular inscription ‘LUDWIG III GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘C. VOIGT’. The reverse is smooth and features a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a ribbon with four white and five dark red stripes.

History

The General Honour Decoration for Art, Science, Industry, and Agriculture was established by Grand Duke Ludwig III and was conferred to recognise and award extraordinary achievements in the fields of art, science, industry, and agriculture.

The award could be conferred upon individuals who were not citizens of Hesse.

In 1904, the medal was divided into the Medal for Art and Science and the Medal for Agriculture and Industry.

The Type I medals feature the portrait of Ludwig III on the obverse.