Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of silver. The obverse bears the image of a crowned eagle with outstretched wings, encompassed by the inscription "FREIE STADT FRANKFURT" (free city of Frankfurt) with some arabesque detailing. The reverse bears the date "1814" within a wreath of oak leaves. On a loop for suspension, on a white and red striped ribbon.

History

The War Commemorative Medal was established by the Senate of the Free City of Frankfurt on September 15, 1846. The medal was conferred upon the 84 surviving veterans of Frankfurt’s former Territorial Army and Line Battalions. The veterans voluntarily defended Frankfurt and the surrounding region against French aggression in 1814.

The medal had originally been turned down by the senate as it claimed that the inscription of the medal was not suitable. On June 26, 1840, 60 veterans submitted a petition which was then presented to the Senate by a group of 84 veterans on April 18, 1846. The medals were approved on September 15, 1846 and 84 veterans received the medal.