Physical Description

A rectangular pebbled clasp with a raised smooth double edge, constructed of bronze gilt. The obverse centre features the crowned monogram ‘E’ (Ernst). Hanging from an eyelet on the clasp is a miniature medal featuring two crossed swords in the centre with the dates ‘1813/1815’ above and below, surrounded by an oak leaf wreath that is tied at the bottom by a ribbon. The reverse features a horizontal pinback. The reverse of the medal is smooth. On a ribbon bar, the ribbon is green with silver side stripes.

History

The Veterans’ Decoration was founded on October 9, 1863 by the royal decree of Duke Ernst I. The decoration commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Leipzig and was conferred upon living veterans of the battle.

The veterans were awarded the I Class Bar for 21 Years (see Military Long Service Decoration, Type III) and the decoration, which was a small round medal, was suspended from the bottom of the bar. The small medal featured the year of the campaign on the obverse.