Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of gold. The obverse features the right-facing head of King Albert with tied long hair, with the circular inscription ‘ALBERTUS DEI GRATIA REX SAXONIAE’. At the bottom is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘L. KLEMICH’. The reverse features a left-facing winged woman sitting on a rock, holding a laurel wreath in her extended right hand and a spear in her left hand, with the semi-circular inscription ‘BENE MERENTIBUS’ (‘for good service’) at the top. On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with white side stripes.

History

The Bene Merentibus Medal was instituted in 1808, and was awarded for good service.

In 1910, the Bene Merentibus Medal came under the Virtuti et Ingenio Medal for Arts and Science. The obverse features a portrait of the ruling king. The reverse features Pallas Athene, seated, holding a laurel wreath. She is the goddess of wisdom and the protector of art.

There have been no major awards conferred since 1902. In 1913, the chancellery determined that when someone was awarded with a high ranking Virtuti et Ingenio medal, a previously awarded Bene Merentibus medal should be returned.

The Type III (1873-1902) medals feature the portrait of King Albert. They are stamped with the engraver's signature, L. Klemich.

There are two versions of the Small Gold Medal. The first is dated from 1873 to 1889. It was made of eight ducats of gold, however no awards were conferred.
The second version is dated from 1889 to 1902. It was made of eight ducats and was awarded seven times. The medals feature a spherical loop with one folded wire ring.