History

The Merit Medal was founded by Prince Adolf Georg of Schaumburg-Lippe and Prince Paul Friedrich Emil Leopold of Lippe, and was conferred upon individuals who rendered meritorious services to Princely House.

In 1899, it was determined that the silver medal could be conferred upon male domestic servants who had rendered 14 years of faithful service with the same family, or who served at the same court for at least 25 years. When the medal was awarded to domestic servants the ribbon was light blue.

The ribbon of the silver medal may feature a Firefighter Long Service Clasp for 25 years.

The Type V medals were instituted on June 30, 1905, and feature a surmounting crown.