Physical Description

An ovular medal constructed of bronze gilt. The obverse bears the image of a crowned griffin with the coat of arms of Baden, encompassed by a border with the inscription "GROSSHERZOGTHUM BADEN 1870". The reverse bears the image of a crowned griffin with outspread wings, with a border with the inscription "DEUTSCHES KAISERREICH 1871". Medals can be topped with a royal crown, on a red ribbon with a yellow stripe.

History

The Veterans' Medal was established by Grand Duke Friedrich II on August 2, 1895 and was created in memory of the 1870/1871 campaign.

To be eligible, a veterans' club had to have existed for 25 years and had to have been a member of Baden’s Military Association (Badischen Militärvereins-Verband) for at least 10 years. In 1895, the regulations were altered so that the medal wasn't allowed to be worn constantly on the flag, but rather only at national and association festivities.

The Gold Veterans' Medal with the crown was awarded to clubs that had existed for 50 years or longer. The Veterans' Medal without a crown was for clubs that existed for 40 years. When the club was dissolved, the medal had to be returned.