Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of King Albert with the circular inscription ‘ALBERT KOENIG VON SACHSEN’. At the bottom is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘M. BARDULECK FEC.’. The reverse features the inscription ‘FÜR LANGJÄHRIGE TREUE DIENSTE’ (‘for many years of loyal service’) inside a wreath of oak leaves, cross-tied at the top and bottom.

History

The Loyalty in Labour Medal or the Decoration of Honour for Workers and Servants was founded on August 10, 1894 by King Albert. It was conferred upon labourers and servants in recognition of long and faithful service. Recipients were to be over the age of 25, and had to be employed in the same role for at least three consecutive years.

The Type I (1875-1894) and Type II (1875-1893) medals were not wearable. The first wearable version of the medal was introduced in 1894 (Type III). At this time, the previous non-wearable medals could be exchanged. The remaining unawarded non-wearable medals were melted down.

In 1906, the conditions for the award were changed. Recipients only needed to be a minimum age of 18, and if they were drafted into military service, it was not considered a break in their employment. The Ministry of the Interior was allowed to provide these awards even before the requirements were met.

The reverse inscription FÜR LANGJÄHRIGE TREUE DIENSTE translates to “for many years of loyal service”.

The Type I (1875-1894) non-wearable medal depicts the profile of King Albert. A total of 265 copies were minted. The coin engraver was Max Barduleck.