Kingdom of Württemberg, Silver Military Merit Medal, Model 1892

Description

German Empire, Kingdom of Württemberg,
Original Military Merit Medal in Silver, Model 1892
(Militär-Verdienstmedaille in Silber 1892)
.
Württemberg equivalent of Prussian Iron Cross 2nd class.
One of the oldest award for bravery, the Württemberg military merit medal,
was first instituted on 30 May 1794 by Duke Ludwig Eugen only in silver grade.
In 1800, a golden medal was issued, which was awarded only to officers for extraordinary merit.
In 1806, the medals were redesigned by King Frederick I and the conditions for the award were changed.
Now it was also possible to award NCOs with the Golden Military Merit Medal.
The Military Merit Medal offered in this auction was awarded from 1892, with the image of Wilhelm II,
by then King of Württemberg.The sculptor was Karl Schwenzer in Stuttgart.
This type was minted in solid silver first. As the shortage of precious metals in World War I grew,
the last pieces were made with a lower silver content.
The silver was finally reduced to about 1/4 of the content and some pieces were minted in silvered alloy.
Obverse: The bust of Wilhelm II., King of Württemberg surrounded by an inscription
WILHELM II. KÖNIG VON WÜRTTEMBERG (Wilhelm II, King of Württemberg)
Sculptor´s signature SCHWENZER under King´s bust.
Reverse: The inscription FÜR TAPFERKEIT UND TREUE (For Bravery and Loyalty)
surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Medal offered in this auction is made of silvered alloy.
Diameter ca. 28 mm.
Comes mounted on original ribbon
(UV NEGATIVE).
100% Original piece.
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.00.
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