Prussian 9-Year Long Service Medal, 3rd Class (DA3)

Prussian 9-Year Long Service Medal, 3rd Class (DA3) – 1913 Pattern

A clean and classic example of Prussian military discipline, this medal was the first major milestone for a professional soldier in the Kaiser’s army. Introduced by Wilhelm II just before the outbreak of the Great War, it represents nearly a decade of "Loyal Service" (Treue Dienste) and is an essential component for completing an enlisted man's or NCO's medal bar.

In 1913, King Wilhelm II reorganized the long service awards. This 3rd Class Medal (Dienstauszeichnung 3. Klasse) replaced the older "long-bar" (schnalle) style for the nine-year milestone. It was awarded to non-commissioned officers and enlisted men who completed nine years of active, faithful service in the Prussian Army. Because many soldiers reached this milestone during the mobilization of 1914, these medals are frequently seen on WWI combatant medal bars alongside the Iron Cross.

• The Medal: A circular medal struck in nickel-silver or a silver-toned "war metal" alloy.
• The Obverse (Front): Features the Royal Prussian Crown centered within the medal, surrounded by a simple, elegant circular border.
• The Reverse (Back): Displays the Roman numeral "IX" (denoting 9 years of service) in the center.
• The Rim: The edges are crisp and defined, characteristic of the 1913-pattern strikes.
• The Ribbon: Suspended from the traditional cornflower blue silk ribbon, the universal color for Prussian service awards.

The medal is in excellent condition. The silver finish is bright and even, with no significant oxidation or "zinc pest" often found on later-war strikes. The Roman numeral "IX" on the reverse is sharp and well-struck. The blue ribbon is a period original, showing only light age-toning and original mounting folds.