Physical Description

A rectangular horizontally hatched clasp with a raised smooth edge, constructed of silvered white metal. The obverse features the crowned monogram ‘G’ and an oak leaf branch on each side. The reverse features a horizontal pinback. On a ribbon bar.

History

The Military Long Service Decoration was originally instituted on August 31, 1913 by Duke Bernhard II. The decoration was conferred upon military personnel who rendered numerous years of irreproachable service. A Cross for 25 Years was introduced for officers and a series of three bars were introduced for non-commissioned officers, enlisted ranks, and members of the Gendarmerie.

The Type I decorations were no longer awarded after Saxe-Meiningen joined the North-German Confederation in 1867. The Type II decorations were introduced in 1866 by Duke Georg and on January 10, 1867, they were conferred upon the non-commissioned officers of the 6th Thuringian Infantry Regiment No. 95. They were also awarded to the members of the Saxe-Meiningen field police.

The Type III decorations were introduced in 1866 by Duke Georg and they were conferred upon the non-commissioned officers and enlisted ranks who served with the 6th Thuringian Infantry Regiment No. 95.

The Type III decorations feature the letter "G" surmounted by a crown and flanked by oak leaf branches.

The awards were issued until the introduction of a joint military decoration that was introduced by the Duchies of Saxe-Altenburg, Saxe-Meiningen, and Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in 1913.