Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the left-facing portrait of Grand Duke Carl Friedrich with the circular inscription ‘CARL FRIEDRICH GROSSHERZOG ZU SACHSEN’. Below the neck is the artist’s signature ‘AF’. The reverse features a wreath of oak leaves, cross-tied at the top and bottom by a ribbon, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ (‘for merit’) in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a black ribbon with a yellow inner and green outer border on each side.

History

The Merit Medal, Type I was instituted by Duke Carl August of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach in 1814. It was awarded on the ribbon of the Order of the White Falcon and was reserved for general merit. The medal did not have to be returned after the recipient’s death, however, the family was not allowed to sell it. It could be returned to the Saxon order chancellery in exchange for the material cost.

The Type II medals were redesigned by Grand Duke Carl Friedrich.