History

This medal was founded by Emperor Leopold II, and it was conferred upon volunteer forces from the Province of Limburg who fought in support of the Emperor during the war against France in 1792-1793, and the rebellion in 1790.

A revolution in the Austrian Netherlands began on October 24, 1789. Known as the “Brabant Revolution” this uprising’s aim was to preserve the existing structure of the nation’s administration. At first the Austrian arm was pushed out of the Brabant provinces, however they were able to return and overtake Brussels. Volunteers from the Austro-Belgian province of Limburg were troops in the Austrian Army and Emperor Leopold II created a special commemorative medal. It was issued in “Large and Small Gold Medal” and “Silver Medal.”

The medal presents the Emperor facing left. The obverse is inscribed “LEOPOLDVS. II. AVG. DVX. LIMBVRGI.” (Emperor Leopold II, Duke of Limburg). On the reverse is the inscription “FIDIS. FORTIBVSQUE. VOLVNTARIIS. LIMBVRGENSIBVS. PALMA.” (For the Loyal and Brave Limburg Volunteers, the Palm, 1790).

The Large Gold Medal measures 32-34mm in diameter. It was conferred upon 34 high ranking Officers.

The Small Gold Medal measures 28 in diameter. A total of 108 were conferred upon lower ranking officers.

The Silver Medal measure 28mm in diameter. A total of 1,084 were conferred upon NCOs and enlisted men.

As the First Coalition War continued, more of these medals were awarded, but it is not possible to know how many.