Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of copper bronze. The obverse features the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘FAR’, surrounded by a laurel branch on the right side and an oak leaf branch on the left side, tied together by a ribbon at the bottom, which in turn is surrounded by the 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 white ribbon with two broad green centre stripes and narrow green borders.

History

The Long Service Decorations were instituted on December 24, 1831 by King Anton and the co-regent Friedrich August. They were awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men for long and faithful service.

The Silver Medal was awarded for 15 years, while the Bronze Medal was awarded for 10 years. The obverse features the cypher AFA for Anton (König) and Friedrich August. The reverse presents the inscription “Für lange u. gute Dienste”.

The Type II (1873-1913) decorations were instituted by King Albert. They were created to honour the impeccable work of those who served the country. The medals for 10 and 15 years were no longer awarded.

The medals were renewed by King Albert on April 23, 1874, wherein he changed the number of years associated with each medal and added a gold grade.

When calculating the time served by the recipient, the years served during active warfare counted twice.

The Type III (1913-1918) decorations were instituted on August 6, 1913 by King Friedrich August III. Service years and rank requirements were changed to reward non-commissioned officers for 15 years of long and faithful service within the Saxon military. The changes were as follows: the I Class is a copper cross for 15 years of service; the II Class is a bronze medal for 12 years of service; the III Class is an Argentan medal for 9 years of service.

Those who had already received previous awards could return them when they were confirmed a new award. The medals were to be returned upon the death of a recipient. Moreover, should the recipient no longer be actively serving, they either had to return the medal or they could purchase it outright.

The II Class Medal for 12 years is a round medal with the cypher FAR on the obverse with the inscription, and the reverse presents the numerals XII.