Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features the inscription ‘VERDIENST IM KRIEGE’ (‘merit in war’), surrounded by a wreath of laurel that is tied by a ribbon at the bottom. The reverse features the crowned and intertwined monogram ‘GFC’, with the date ‘1870’ at the bottom. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with a blue centre stripe and blue side stripes.

History

The War Merit Medal was founded by Prince Günther Carl II of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen to reward the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the 3rd Battalion of the 7th Thuringian Infantry Regiment No. 71 who rendered exceptional service during the war against France.

The medal was created in collaboration with Prince Georg of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. Prince Georg awarded an almost identical War Merit Medal with a different obverse monogram to be awarded in Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt.