Prus. Kingdom, Merit Award for Saving from Danger - Lifesaving Medal, 2nd Type

Description

German States, Kingdom of Prussia,
A Merit Award for Saving from Danger / Lifesaving Medal,
(Verdienst-Ehrenzeichen für Rettung aus Gefahr / Rettungsmedaille)
2nd Model (1864 - 1875).
Instituted on August 16, 1833 by the Decree of Friedrich Wilhelm III, the King of Prussia
who ruled from November 16, 1797 until June 7, 1840. According to the institutional document,
“silver medal is to be awarded for exceptionally heroic deeds and thus it represents the highest degree
of personal recognition”. The medal was awarded to any person (not only Prussian subject)
who through personal danger had saved life of another person.
Portable Lifesaving medal was regarded as the highest class of the lifesaving decoration,
its lower class being non-portable Commemorative Medal for Saving from Danger
(Erinnerungsmedaille für Rettung aus Gefahr)
instituted on September 23, 1833.
Four models of Prussian Lifesaving Medal were issued since 1833 until 1918.
The difference between
them is in the spelling of the word KING
(KOENIG on the 1st, KÖNIG on the rest three models)
and in the symbol that ends the obverse inscription
(a five pointed star on the first model,
a cross from four dots on 2nd one, and a rosette on 3rd and 4th model).
Medal offered in this auction is a rare example of 2nd
model awarded only 11 years,
since 1864 until 1875.
The exact award numbers are unknown to me, but previous model,
being awarded for 31 years, was issued 1.900 times. The number of minted medals was lower though,
due to the fact, the medal had to be returned after a death of original owner and could be awarded again.
Medal is made of solid silver
.
Diameter approx. 25 mm.
Obverse
with raised border shows bust of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III
facing left and circumscribed “Friedrich Wilhelm III King of Prussia”
(Friedrich Wilhelm III König von Preussen
) in capital letters.
A cross from four dots at the end of the inscription.
Reverse
with raised border has inscription “For Saving from Danger”
(Für Rettung aus Gefahr)
in capital letters running in four horizontal lines encircled with wide oak leaves wreath.
Very good condition as seen on photos.
Comes mounted on a short piece of original ribbon (UV NEGATIVE).
100% Original medal.
Worldwide shipping as 1st class insured packet for
.00.
Combined shipping available. Please see my other auctions.
Bid with confidence - pay with Paypal.
30 days return privilege.