Physical Description

An ovular medal constructed of bronze. The obverse bears the portrait of Queen Marie of Hanover with the inscription "MARIE KÖNIGIN VON HANNOVER" encompassed by a wreath of half laurel and half oak. The reverse bears the crowned Hanoverian coat of arms with the inscription "14. APRIL 1898. ZUR FEIER DES 81. GEBURTSTAGES IHRER MÄJESTAT DER KÖNIGIN MARIE VON HANNOVER", encompassed by a wreath of half laurel and half oak. Topped with a crown and on a loop for suspension.

History

The Commemorative Medal for the 81st Birthday of Queen Marie of Hanover was instituted on April 14, 1898 by Duke Ernst August of Cumberland in celebration of his mother, Queen Marie of Hanover’s 81st birthday. The medal was conferred upon the Queen’s close friends and relatives.

In the traditional sense, the medal is not really a decoration, but rather a wearable commemorative gift. The medals awarded to women often featured an elongated, pearled carrying ring, and medals awarded to men bore the usual loop. The design for the decoration was produced by Jauner, Vienna.