General Honour Decoration, Type III (for life saving)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 02.HSD.0101.301.01.009

Estimated market value:

$350 USD

  • Add an image

Estimated market value:

$350 USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Germany
  • Composition
    Silver
  • Inscription
    Obv: ERNST LUDWIG GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN Rev: FÜR RETTUNG VON MENSCHEN-LEBEN
  • Size
    33mm

Physical Description and Item Details


A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig with the circular inscription ‘ERNST LUDWIG GROSSHERZOG VON HESSEN’. 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 RETTUNG VON MENSCHEN-LEBEN’ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a light blue ribbon with red borders.
Some medals feature stamps on the rim next to the loop, 'SILBER' on the left and '0,900' on the right. This is rare.
On May 2, 1896, this medal was elevated to a proper Life Saving Medal with a new ribbon. The ribbon features a light blue centre and light blue borders with broad inner red stripes and narrow outer white stripes.

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 medal with obverse inscription “FÜR TAPPFERKEIT” (for bravery) was awarded for war merit. The medal was only conferred upon active military personnel who rendered outstanding service under enemy fire. An accompanying metal clasp with the date “21.1.1916” could be awarded with this medal. The clasp commemorated the 125th anniversary of the establishment of Infantry Regiment “Prinz Carl” Nr. 118 (4. Großherzoglich Hessisches).

The medal with the obverse inscription “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENSTE” (for war merit) was conferred upon individuals who served in non-combative roles behind the front line or on the home front.

As of 1917, the medal with the obverse inscription “FÜR KRIEGSVERDIENSTE” was also conferred upon individuals, who participated in the wars of 1870/1871, as well as individuals who had received the I Class Iron Cross. It was also awarded to commanders of district commando units and individuals who had previously rendered outstanding merit.

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

FOR SALE / WANTED

Item For Sale By

Be the first to sell this item

Wanted By

Be the first to request this item

Comments

Sign in to comment and reply.

Scroll Top