Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of King Friedrich August III with the circular inscription ‘FRIEDRICH AUGUST KÖNIG VON SACHSEN’. At the bottom is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘M. B.’. The reverse features the inscription ‘FÜR TREUE IN DER ARBEIT’ (‘for loyalty in labour’) inside a wreath of oak leaves, cross-tied at the top and bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon.

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 of the Type II medal was changed to "FÜR TREUE IN DER ARBEIT", which translates to “for loyalty in labour”.

The Type V (1905-1918) medal depicts the profile of King Friedrich August III. The medals are marked under the neck section with the engraver's initials "M.B" for Max Barduleck. A ball loop with an ordinary band ring is attached to the top. A total of 26,802 copies were minted.

The medals factory of Paul Meybauer made silver-plated copies. These can be identified by the differing eyelet.