Figure 1: Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal. Image from the author’s archive.
Introduction: This medal, The Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal (Ferdinand Zivilverdienstmedaille) was authorized for exceptional meritorious service by civilian officials and other citizens in support of the empire.
Date Issued: 1835-1848
Reason Issued: For exceptional meritorious service by civilian officials and other citizens in support of the empire.
Classes or Types: five
- Gold Civil Merit Medal on chain, first class
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, second class
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, third class
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, first class
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, second class
Interesting Facts:
- The grade of the award granted was to a large extent determined by the status of the recipient
- There were some minor variations in the medals due to variations in the dies. Thus, in some cases the obverse image of the emperor has smooth hair and in some his hair is more unkempt. Also, in some cases the reverse features an oak leaf wreath and in some the wreath is composed of laurel leaves.
- There is no official provision for a silver medal, third class, however an award exists which appears to be genuine
Hallmarks: These medals were hallmarked on the suspension ring, but the specific marks are unknown
Design: A round medal with a raised rim and an attached ornamental eye at the top through which a suspension ring passes.
Figure 2: Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal, obverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Obverse: A bust of Emperor Ferdinand I with close cropped curly hair and a laurel wreath at the temples facing the viewers right. Around the bust is the inscription FERDINANDVS. I.D.G. AVSTRIAE IMPERATOR. Translation: Ferdinand I with the Grace of God Emperor of Austria. Below the neck of the bust is the signature of the medalist I.D.BOEHM. F (the F is not part of the signature of the medalist but rather stands for fabrikat or in English fabricated)
Figure 3: Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal, reverse. Image from the author’s archive.
Reverse: The reverse of the medal has a raised rim within which is an oak wreath which is open at the top and tied at the bottom with a bow. Above the open upper portion of the wreath is the word MERITIS (Merit). Within the wreath is a space for engraving the first and last name of the recipient
Weight:
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, first class: 24 Ducats (76.3-86.4 grams)
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, Second class: 12 Ducats (43.2 grams)
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, Third class: 8 Ducats (27.9-28.8 grams)
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, first class: 52.5 grams
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, Second class: 41- 43.8 grams
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, Third class: 25 grams
Size:
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, first class: 48 mm in diameter
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, Second class: 39 mm in diameter
- Gold Civil Merit Medal, Third class: 33 mm in diameter
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, first class: 48 mm in diameter
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, Second class: 39 mm in diameter
- Silver Civil Merit Medal, Third class: 33 mm in diameter
Type of Material: Gold and Silver
Variations:
- Type I: As described
- Gold Medal III class Type II: as described except the inscription on the obverse is as follows: FERDINANDVS. I.D.G. AVST. IMP. HVNG. BO. LO. VE.GAL. IL. R.A.A. Translation: Ferdinand I with the Grace of God Austrian Emperor, Hungary, Bohemia, Lombardy, Venice, Galicia Illyria, King, Archduke Austria. The medal also varies in size and weight being 24 mm in diameter and 2 Ducats (6.9 grams in weight)
- Silver Medal III class Type II: as described except the inscription on the obverse is as follows: FERDINAND. DER. ERSTE. KEISER. VON. OESTERREICH. Translation: Ferdinand I Emperor of Austria. Below the bust is inscribed J.D.B.F. (Joseph Daniel Boehm Fabricated). The medal also varies in size and weight being 30 mm in diameter and 24 grams in weight
Designer: Joseph Daniel Boehm
Manufacturer: Hauptmunzamt Wien (Imperial Mint Vienna)
Number Issued:
- Gold, first class on chain: 14
- Gold, first class no chain: 70
- Gold, second class: 135
- Gold, third class: 174
- Silver, first class: 9
- Silver second class: 73
Case: Unknown
Ribbon:
- Gold Merit Medals, first class were awarded on gold double linked chains weighing 40 ducats (so called mailed chain)
Figure 4: Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal, ribbon. Image from the author’s archive.
- A strait 39-40 mm wide carmen-red ribbon (used only for the lower grades of the gold medals and the silver medals.
Figure 5: Ferdinand I Civil Merit Medal, clasp. Image from the author’s archive.
Attachments: A gold clasp with the word MERITIS on the left and a representation of the obverse of the medal in the center.
Miniature: Many variations known to exist
I hope you enjoyed this blog. Until next time, I hope you find joy in our shared interest.
Rick
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