Physical Description

A circular medal with a raised border, constructed of silver. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Grand Duke Ludwig IV with the circular inscription ‘LUDWIG IV GROSHERZOG VON HESSEN’. Below the neck is the stamp cutter’s signature ‘J. RIES’. The reverse features a wreath of laurel on the left and oak leaves on the right, tied at the bottom by a ribbon, open at the top, with a crossed sceptre (left) and sword (right) behind a crown in the centre. On a loop for suspension, on a white ribbon with a broad red centre and narrow light blue side stripes.

History

The Medal of Civil Merit was founded by Grand Duke Ludwig IV and was primarily conferred upon individuals who rendered outstanding service to the Grand Duchy of Hesse.

Recipients were not limited to citizens of Hesse, and the medal could be conferred upon both men and women.

The Silver Medal was awarded to 10 recipients.

The Medal was discontinued in 1895, following the death of Grand Duke Ludwig IV.