Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Duke Karl Günther with the circular inscription ‘KARL GÜNTHER FÜRST Z. SCHWARZB. SONDERSHAUSEN’. The reverse features the inscription ‘FÜR TREUE IN DER ARBEIT’ (‘for loyalty in labour’), surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves that is open at the top and tied by a ribbon at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a blue ribbon with narrow white edges.

History

The Decoration for Domestic Servants and Labour was founded on October 20, 1896 by Prince Carl Günther of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. The decoration was conferred upon male domestic servant and labourers who demonstrated loyalty and merit by rendering at least 30 years of uninterrupted service with the same employer. Individuals who served in the prince’s household were eligible to receive the medal after 25 years of irreproachable service.

Time spent in the military was not considered an interruption of service and did not disqualify an individual from receiving the award.

On May 9, 1901, Prince Karl Günther created a decoration for 50 years of loyal service. The medal was surmounted by an oak leaf that featured the number “50”. A decoration for 60 years of service was later created as well.