Brass cross pattée with rays between the arms on integral royal crown suspension; the face with a central medallion with the figure ‘16’ surmounted by the monogram ‘FIX’ for King Frederik IX; the reverse plain; on original ribbon. Denmark’s faithful service decorations were reformed in 1854 and are awarded for eight years’ service and sixteen years’ service. Recipients of a sixteen-years’ award are required to return the eight-year award. King Frederik IX reigned from 20 April 1947 to 14 January 1972. He saw active service in the Royal Danish Navy before becoming king and successfully adjusting the role of the monarchy as Denmark changed from a conservative rural economy to a modern welfare state. The medal was officially abolished in 1951 but the reorganisation of the Danish army meant that, in effect, no awards were made after 1949. The medal was thus awarded only for about two years and is therefore very hard to find.
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