Baden Beautiful Baden Gendarmerie Officer’s Medal Bar 1880s/90s

[Chris Boonzaier]

Greetings from Rick....

This was brought by for the final Traveling Museum gathering of 2010 to be Epsonized and shared with you all but especially Sascha.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Lovely gold Baden Zähringen Lion Order-Knight 1^st Class (BZ3a), 1870/71 War Medal, Baden Campaign Medal with (UNDER-mounted !!!) bars for 1866 and 1870-71, and Baden 25 Years Service Cross.

The bar dates from before 1895, when battle bars were authorized for the 1870/71 Medal. Either this fellow was an incredibly ancient retired army officer not decorated for either 1866 or 1870/71, or more likely was a young officer in both wars who went into the Gendarmerie. The Baden 25 was not given to officers in Baden military units after the treaty absorbing Baden’s forces into those of the Empire.

I don’t have a Baden Court and State Handbook before 1902, so can’t say whether this quartet MIGHT be traceable to a Gendarmerie officer of circa 1890.

Thanks to the owner for bringing it by to visit and to … posting since I’m not online. Rick Research

[Paul R]

That is the most beautiful 1870-1 bar I have seen. Thank you and Rick for sharing it. Was the Baden Zähringen Lion Order-Knight 1^st Class a valor award, like the EK1?

[saschaw]

Still nice, but I think we had this before. ;o)

http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/49192-beautiful-baden-gendarmerie-officers-medal-bar-1880s90s/

Was the Baden Zähringen Lion Order-Knight 1^st Class a valor award, like the EK1?

Without swords, it was a general merit award, given for faithful service to the state and such - with its grade depending on rank or status of the wearer.

[Paul R]

Thanks for the explaination. So it is most akin to the 1939 KVK.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Still nice, but I think we had this before. ;o)

Sorry, I loose track sometimes. i have had a CD from Rick for ages, but a broken CD drive... was only able to get them up now.

best

Chris

[Dave Danner]

Thanks for the explaination. So it is most akin to the 1939 KVK.

Paul,

It was an order of knighthood, so it had a level of prestige the KVK didn't, although awarded for similar performance. I would say akin to the US Legion of Merit.

Also, the class awarded depended on the military rank or civil status of the recipient. The Knight 1st Class would typically go to a Major or Korvettenkapitän, or the civil service/civilian equivalent.

[saschaw]

Sorry, I loose track sometimes. i have had a CD from Rick for ages, but a broken CD drive... was only able to get them up now.

You're welcome! Better twice than not!

:beer:

[dond]

I love bars that don't have an EK on them.