| Place | Europe: Germany, Lippe |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | RELAWM01363 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Award |
| Physical description | Bronze |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Lippe Military Merit Medal
Description
Lippe Military Merit Medal. Unnamed as issued. Obverse: The entwined script 'FL' (Furst Leopold IV), with a crown above and the surrounding legend 'DEM MILITAIR - VERDIENSTE' (For Military Merit), all within an oak leaf wreath with crossed swords at the base. Reverse: The rose of Lippe in the centre within a laurel wreath. The medal is fitted with a loose ring suspender and a piece of 41 mm red ribbon with thin yellow edges.
History / Summary
The Military Merit Medal was created on 16 May 1832 as an award for long and faithful service, distinction in war, or general military merit. In its original version it was awarded 144 times between 1832 and 1915. In 1908 the criteria were modified slightly, and awards with swords on the ribbon were authorized. Only four of these were awarded. In 1915, the medal was redesigned, with crossed swords added to the obverse. This medal forms part of a collection assembled by the Memorial in the 1920s for display.