Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of silver. The obverse features an oak branch with the circular inscription ‘IN ANERKENNUNG LANGJÄHRIGER TREUER DIENSTE’ (‘in recognition of many years of loyal service’), with a small five-sided star at the bottom. The reverse features the curved inscription ‘GESTIFTET 1896 BATHILDIS FÜRSTIN ZU WALDECK U. PYRMONT’ (‘instituted 1896 Bathildis Duchess of Waldeck and Pyrmont’). On a loop for suspension, on a black ribbon with inner red and outer yellow borders.

History

The Domestic Servants Medal was founded on January 15, 1896 by Princess Bathildis of Waldeck and Pyrmont. The medal was conferred upon female domestic servants who rendered at least 25 years of loyal service with the same employer. From 1896 to 1903, the decoration was produced in the form of a medal, which was suspended from a bow ribbon.

The obverse of the medal features an oak leaf branch with five leaf groups and five acorns. The branch is surrounded by the inscription “IN ANERKENNUNG LANGJÄHRIGER TREUER DIENSTE”. The reverse of the medal features the inscription “GESTIFTET 1896 BATHILDIS FÜRSTIN ZU WALDECK U. PYRMONT”.

In 1904, the medal was replaced by a brooch which was issued for either 25 or 40 years of service. In order to receive the brooch, an individual had to submit an application to the state board of directors (Landesdirektorium). The application included an explanation of why the applicant believed they deserved the award, a resume, and a statement from the local priest. The application was then presented to Princess Bathildis and she ultimately determined whether an applicant received the award. The decoration was presented with an award certificate.

It is unclear how many individuals applied for the award as the records have been lost. It is also difficult to estimate how many brooches were issued. These decorations are extremely rare and they are priced accordingly.