A very nice original 25 Years of Loyal Service firefighting medal from the Kingdom of Wurttemberg, complete with original ribbon and distinct suspension/mount. Obverse inscription reads “FÜR 25 JÄHRIGE DIENSTZEIT” (“FOR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE”), reverse inscriptionis identical. Clearly maker marked "W. Mayer & Fr. W. Wilhelm". This is a rare medal, with very few having been awarded prior to the start of WWI. Measures 38 mm in diameter.
The state fire brigade committee of the state fire brigade association of Württemberg suggested in 1912 that what it considered to be the "medal of honor" from 1885, which was in its opinion "overloaded with emblems", should be replaced by a "more pleasing medal". As a result, this medal was instituted 27 December 1912 by King Wilhelm II.
From 1915 the award was suspended due to the war and resulting lack of resources. Up until the beginning of WWI, roughly 18,000 decorations had been awarded. Eligible beneficiaries between 1915 and 1919 were subsequently honored with a modified decoration (with royal crown and royal monogram "W" removed) from 1919 to 1920.
