Physical Description

A circular medal constructed of iron. The obverse bears the crowned cipher "L", below is an open ended laurel wreath. The reverse bears the inscription "DEN VATERLANDS-VERTHEIDIGERN" (to the defenders of the fatherland) with one of the following dates: 1813, 1814, 1813/1814, 1815, 1813/1815, 1814/1815, 1813/1814/1815. Below the inscription is an open-ended oak leaf wreath. On a loop for suspension, on a half green and half white ribbon.

History

The War Medal was founded by Duke Ferdinand Friedrich of Anhalt-Köthen in 1819. The medal was conferred upon members of the Anhalt-Köthen armed forces who participated in the Campaign against France in 1813.

The award was established in memory of Duke Ferdinand Friedrich’s predecessor, Duke Ludwig. The medal was minted by G. Loos, Berlin. The establishment of this medal marks the beginning of the modern award and decoration system in the states of Anhalt.

This medal is rare. Samples in lead are known to exist.

The medal was awarded with the following dates: 1813, 1814, 1813/1814, 1815, 1813/1815, 1814/1815, 1813/1814/1815.