Physical Description

A finely pebbled circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of gold-plated bronze. The obverse features a ducal crown and the circular inscription ‘IM KAMPFE FVER DAS RECHT’ (‘in the fight for justice’). The reverse features the five-leaf rose of Altenburg, surrounded by decorative lines and arches. An inscription on the rim reads ‘HERZOGTH. GOTHA UND ALTENBVRG MDCCCXIV MDCCCXV’ (‘dukedom Gotha and Altenburg 1814 1815’). On a loop for suspension, on a green ribbon with a yellow border containing horizontal black stripes.
A reduced size variant in bronze gilt, some of them without rim inscription, is known to exist.

History

The Medal for War Merit 1814/15 was instituted by Duke August of Saxe-Gotha and Altenburg in the Fall of 1816. It was awarded to officers, non-commissioned officers (NCOs), and enlisted men (EMs) who had participated in the campaign against France.

The medal was awarded with an accompanying document. Upon the death of the recipient, the medal had to be returned.