Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Duke Ernst, with the circular inscription ‘ERNST HERZOG ZU SACHSEN ALTENBURG’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘HELFRICHT F.’. The reverse features an oak leaf wreath tied by a ribbon at the bottom, with the inscription ‘FÜR RETTUNG AUS LEBENSGEFAHR’ in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with dark green borders.

History

The Life Saving Medal was instituted on April 1, 1882, by Duke Ernst I. It was conferred upon individuals who risked their lives in order to save others from peril.

The Type I medal features the portrait of Duke Ernst I facing left.