Description
This is a very interesting two-place medal bar from Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. It has an unusual decoration combination, one of which requires a special interest and appreciation. From left to right we see these medals:
*Long Service Award 2nd Class – Twelve Years Service. Three levels exist for enlisted men and NCO’s Long Service Awards. The 1st Class is for fifteen years and is cross-shaped. The circular 2nd Class is for twelve years and is gilt. The 3rd Class is also circular and silver-toned. Each one has the Saxon Coat-of-Arms on the obverse. On the reverse, each sports its numbers of years in Roman numerals. This medal is indeed gold-toned and displays “XII” on the reverse. The green ribbon is for Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
*Silver Herzog Carl Eduard Service Medal. The silver medal from this Duchy was the 2ndClass award as there was a Gold level of this award. It was awarded both before and during WW I. During WW I it was awarded with swords and/or clasps for the various years of WW I. The magenta and green ribbon again indicates Saxe-Coburg-Gotha.
It is a fine medal bar. The unusual part about it is the Twelve-Year Long Service award. While not always the case, the twelve-year award usually was for police officers and officials, not for the military. The military award was typically for either nine or fifteen years. It is possible that this award was awarded to a military NCO. It is just another detail for appreciative speculation. Both medals and their ribbons are in very fine condition. The horizontal pin is in place.
