Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of gold. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Queen Carola wearing a tiara, with the circular inscription ‘CAROLA KOENIGIN VON SACHSEN’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘M. B.’. The reverse features the inscription ‘GESTIFTET FÜR HILFREICHE NÄCHSTENLIEBE’ (‘Instituted for helpful benevolence’) inside a rue leaf wreath that is open at the top and tied by a ribbon at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with side stripes that are black on the inside and light blue on the outside.

History

The Carola Medal was founded on September 17, 1892 by King Albert and Queen Carola on the 25th anniversary of the Albert Association.

The medal was awarded to men and women of Saxony for special merits in the field of charity in war or peace times. This medal was awarded in gold, silver, or bronze.

Type I medals were awarded between 1871 and 1892, to volunteer nurses for merit in their training during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871. This was an internal award provided by the Albert Society, and is listed here for completeness.

Type II medals were awarded between 1892 and 1915. A total of 46 gold, 1,000 silver, and 1,000 bronze medals were awarded.

In 1915, the reverse text of the inscription was changed, and the anniversary notice was removed. From 1915, it was allowed to wear the medal without the ribbon, and medals that were awarded for merit during a war were given special recognition by means of a ribbon clip.

Type III medals were awarded between 1915 and 1925. A total of 6 gold, 300 silver, and 860 bronze medals were awarded.

The Type III Gold Medal was made of four ducats of gold. It was awarded six times.