Physical Description

A circular medal, constructed of silver gilt. The obverse features the anthropomorphic representations of industry and agriculture in the centre, standing back to back, forming a column. Between their legs in a shield-shaped indentation is a left-facing, crowned and standing lion holding a sword. On top of the column’s capital is an eagle with spread wings, facing to the viewer’s left. The left side of the medal features agricultural fields, with the inscription ‘LANDWIRTHSCHAFT’ (agriculture) at the bottom. The right side features a factory site with six smoking chimneys, with the inscription ‘GEWERBE’ (industry) at the bottom. The reverse is smooth and features a rectangular plate with a crown on top, with rays to its sides, and showing in a circular indentation the monogram ‘EL’, with the inscription ‘DEM VERDIENSTE’ (for merit) in a semi-circle along the lower half. The plate is encircled by a wreath of laurel. The edge of the medal features the inscription ‘IM ANFANG WAR DIE THAT’ (in the beginning there was the deed). With an attached triangular top to hold the loop for suspension, with the stamp ‘SILBER 900’ on the left side, on a ribbon with four white and five dark red stripes.
Examples without the silver mark are known to exist.

History

The Medal of Merit for Industry and Agriculture is the successor of the Merit Medal for Science, Art, Industry, and Agriculture, which was founded by Grand Duke Ludwig III on May 21, 1853, and was conferred upon individuals in recognition of extraordinary achievements in the aforementioned fields.

In 1904, the Medal was divided into the Merit Medal for Art and Economics and the Merit Medal for Industry and Agriculture.

The Merit Medal for Industry and Agriculture was conferred in recognition of extraordinary achievements in the fields of Agriculture and Industry.

The medals were designed by Professor Rudolf Bosselt from Darmstadt.