Posted 12 years ago
Dr_Rambow
(88 items)
Believe it or not I found this little gem in a gold and silver shop right here in New Jersey. What business a 150+ year old medal from a now non-existent, pre-imperial German state had in my area is beyond me.
The official name is Dienstehrenzeichen für Unteroffiziere und Soldaten, and was awarded from 1834 until 1866 with the onset of the Austro-Prussian War. It was a recognition for faithful service in the armed forces of the time. It is made of silvered bronze and is a petite 1" wide.
I throw around the award date and it doesn't seem like much, but when I really think about it is amazing how old this little bugger is. I just have to think about my country's history to put it in perspective, this was likely made well before the Civil War!
The last image shows all of the versions with their ribbons, this one is the 2nd from the right.
Just a guess, but it might have belonged to a professional soldier, looking to become involved in the War between the States. And that might explain the location here.
Kerry
Kerry, I don't subscribe to that. Why not in NJ? Certainly enough Allemand settled in the area. Why not bring their family treasures?
With 16 years service in, the original owner was most likely a career noncom. After Nassau fell to Prussia in 1866 his economic prospects (since he was career military) must have been bleak and he probably had no desire to become Prussian so America may have looked like a very tempting second chance at life for him.