Physical Description

A smooth circular medal with a raised edge, constructed of firegilded bronze. The obverse features the right-facing portrait of Duke Ernst Günther with the circular inscription ‘ERNST GÜNTHER HERZOG ZU SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN’. At the bottom is the signature ‘A. L. H. G.’. The reverse features the crowned ducal coat of arms and an oak leaf branch on each side, tied together at the bottom by a ribbon, below it the date ‘11. AUG. 1913’ above a decorative line, with the circular inscription ‘ZUM 50. GEBURTSTAGE D. HERZOGS Z. SCHLESWG-HOLSTEIN’. On a loop for suspension, on a yellow ribbon with a red/white/blue side stripe on the left and a blue/white/red side stripe on the right.

History

The Commemorative Medal for the 50th Birthday of Duke Ernst was instituted in 1913 by Duke Ernst Günther to commemorate his 50th birthday. Duke Ernst was not considered the official ruler of Schleswig-Holstein, as the territory became a province of Prussia in 1866. As such, this award was unofficially instituted.

The medal was conferred upon the officials and employees of the duke’s estate in Primkenau, which is in modern Poland.