Kingdom of Saxony – Friedrich-August Medal of Merit in War with Crown (1914/15)

Offered here is an original Kingdom of Saxony Friedrich-August Medal of Merit in War with Crown, awarded during the First World War under the reign of King Friedrich August III. This decoration represented a higher class of Saxon wartime merit awards, denoted by the large royal crown above the medal. It was presented to officers, enlisted men, and occasionally civilians whose services, though short of battlefield bravery, were deemed critical to the Saxon war effort.

Physical Description

• Obverse: A finely struck silvered bronze medal featuring a crowned “B” monogram within a stylized cross, all encircled by an oak leaf wreath symbolizing strength and victory.

• Suspension: The piece is surmounted by a prominent openwork Saxon crown, signifying the elevated status of this award.

• Reverse: Inscribed “FÜR VERDIENST IM KRIEGE 1914/15” (“For Merit in War 1914/15”) surrounding the Saxon state arms – the horizontally striped shield with the diagonal crancelin of rue. The legend is cleanly impressed, though this example shows expected softening of detail from wear and age.

• Ribbon: Mounted on the correct Saxon war ribbon — black center flanked by yellow with green and white edge stripes, folded in the traditional German triangular style.

• Construction: Silvered bronze, measuring approx. 32mm in diameter (crown height not included). Finish has developed a mellow patina, with high points showing light wear.

Historical Context

The Friedrich-August Medal of Merit was first introduced in 1905 but gained particular significance during the Great War (1914–1918). Saxony, as part of the German Empire, fielded distinguished regiments such as the Royal Saxon Army Corps, and this decoration recognized essential wartime service. While bravery on the front might warrant the Iron Cross, this award often went to those whose actions ensured the functioning of supply, logistics, administration, or other indispensable duties. The addition of the crown indicated a special class of recognition, marking the recipient’s service as particularly meritorious.

Condition

This example remains in very good condition, with its silvered finish intact and only minor wear to the reverse detail from handling. The crown suspension is secure and original. The Saxon war ribbon is lightly toned but complete and correctly mounted. Overall, a strong and representative piece of Saxon wartime honors.

Provenance

Consigned to us from a private European collection, this piece has not been cleaned or tampered with, and retains its period character.

Collector Notes & Value

The crowned version of the Friedrich-August Medal of Merit in War is significantly scarcer than the plain medal without crown, making it desirable to both Saxon specialists and broader collectors of Imperial German decorations