Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of bronze. The obverse features the left-facing head of King Johann with the circular inscription ‘JOHANN V. G. G. KOENIG VON SACHSEN’ (‘Johann von Gottes Gnaden Koenig von Sachsen’ = ‘Johann by God’s Grace King of Saxony’). At the bottom is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘C. ULBRICHT F.’. The reverse features the inscription ‘FÜR LEBENS=RETTUNG’ (‘for life saving’), surrounded by an oak leaf wreath that is cross-tied by a ribbon at the top and bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon.

History

Life Saving Medals were awarded to individuals who risked their lives to rescue a person in mortal danger. The medal was originally founded by King Anton and his co-regent Friedrich August.

The Kingdom of Saxony was the first German state to use wearable life saving medals, followed by Prussia in 1833 and Braunschweig in 1836.

The Type III (1854-1873) medals feature the portrait of King John on the obverse. The reverse inscription reads "FÜR LEBENSRETTUNG" (for life saving). The die was cut by C. Ulbricht.