Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar War Merit Medal 1914/15 with Original Ribbon

Offered here is an original Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach War Merit Medal (Kriegsverdienstmedaille) for the years 1914/15, awarded during the First World War.

Instituted by Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst in 1915, this medal recognized meritorious service in wartime by both combatants and non-combatants. Recipients included soldiers in the field as well as individuals on the home front whose contributions supported the German war effort.

Obverse: Displays a crowned “B” monogram (for Grand Duke Wilhelm Ernst, whose full name included Bernhard) set within the arms of a cross pattée, surrounded by a finely detailed laurel wreath symbolizing honor and victory.

Reverse: Features the Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach arms at the center of a cross pattée, encircled by the raised inscription FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914/15 (“For Merit in War 1914/15”).

Ribbon: Original state-issue silk ribbon in yellow with a wide central black stripe flanked by narrow white edge stripes, exhibiting light fraying along one side.

Construction & Dimensions: Struck in bronze (some examples were later produced in bronze-finished zinc), measuring approximately 33 mm in diameter, with a simple suspension ring.

Condition: Very good overall, showing honest age toning and light surface wear. All details of the crown, monogram, wreath, and coat of arms remain sharply defined. Ribbon colors are still vivid despite edge wear. No repairs or alterations noted.

Historical Note: The Grand Duchy of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, a small but culturally significant state in the German Empire, maintained its own military awards during the war. Medals such as this are scarcer today due to the relatively small number of awards issued compared to those from larger German states.

Provenance: From a long-established Imperial German militaria collection.