Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Grand Duke Ludwig IV with the circular inscription ‘LUDWIG IV GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘J. RIES’. The reverse features a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘FÜR VERDIENSTE’ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a blue ribbon with red borders.

History

The General Honour Decoration was established by Grand Duke Ludwig II on September 25, 1843, but was never awarded before his death in 1848. His son, Ludwig III created statutes for the medal on November 14, 1849.

The Medal was conferred upon individuals for outstanding civil merit, praiseworthy actions, and extraordinary accomplishments.

The medals feature a variety of obverse inscriptions.

The Type II medals feature the portrait of Ludwig IV on the obverse.