Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silvered copper. The obverse features the crowned intertwined monogram ‘WE’ with the circular inscription ‘TREUE DIENSTE BEI DER FAHNE’ (‘loyal service to the flag’). The reverse features the Roman numeral ‘XII’. On a loop for suspension, on a black ribbon with a yellow inner and green outer border on each side.

History

The Military Long Service Decoration was founded by Grand Duke Carl Friedrich in 1834, and it was awarded to all members of the Saxe-Weimar military, with no consideration of rank, in the form of a cross.

The Type II decorations were redesigned by Grand Duke Carl Alexander on March 9, 1872 into the form of a bar.

After the death of Grand Duke Carl Alexander in 1901, his successor Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst replaced the obverse monogram of the Type III decorations with his initials, "W.E.".

The Type IV decorations were founded by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst on December 20, 1913 with the new form of a cross and two medals.

The bar was awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men in recognition of long, faithful, and meritorious service.

The years employed during actual wartime counted twice towards the number of years served by the recipient.