Circular gilt red bronze (Zinklegierung) bronzed medal with loop for ribbon suspension; the face with the head of Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst in relief facing left, circumscribed ‘WILHELM ERNST GROSSHERZOG VON SACHSEN’; the reverse inscribed ‘DEM VERDIENSTE 1914’ (for Merit 1914) within a circular oak wreath; the bronzing is rather faded and age-worn with a few age oxidation spots; on possibly replaced ribbon with buckle and crossed swords. The award was instituted by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst on 25 June 1902 as a general decoration. Military awards of the Decoration were distinguished by the buckle and crossed swords seen here. Early in World War I the award was amended with the inscription on the reverse seen on this example. Only a few thousand awards of the decoration were made and it is comparatively rare.
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