Pre-WWI Medal Bar...The Story

[Indyarch]

What story does this medal bar tell us about the soldier?

Obviously, he fought in the Franco-Prussian war, received the 100 year commemorative medal for his unit in 1913 (IR Freiherr von Sparr, 3rd Westfalian No. 16) and received the Prussian veteran's cross. It is my understanding that the Kyffhauserbund medal replaced the Prussian PLKV (and other state vet. medals) in 1900. This represents a span of 43 years.

1. How is it that this soldier has no long service awards on the bar?
2. How old might he have been in 1870?
3. Was he a short-timer in the military?
4. Could he have retired shortly after 1871 and received the other 3 medals as a veteran?

Let me know what you think about this soldier and the career that brought him these medals.

[Indyarch]

Reverse

[saschaw]

1. How is it that this soldier has no long service awards on the bar?

Two possibilities for any pre-1913 EM/NCO bar: he wasn't long enough at the military, or he's wearing a "Schnalle" below his medal bar - up to 1913

2. How old might he have been in 1870?

Likely about 18 or in his 20s.

3. Was he a short-timer in the military?
4. Could he have retired shortly after 1871 and received the other 3 medals as a veteran?

See #1 - with a medal from 1913 and the PLKV cross (isn't that even post WWI?!) he seems not to wear any long service award, so was a short-timer. I guess he just served his common time, so about three years. No career NCO... the three other decorations were not requiring active military duty.

[Indyarch]

Great info saschaw. I have read that the Kyffhauserbund was created around 1900 when the various state veteran organizations joined together. I was assuming that the PLKV maybe was not awarded after 1900 and that the Kyffhauserbund oval medal became the veteran award. Did the states continue to issue their own veteran org, awards after the Kyffhauserbund was formed?

[McCulloh]

The PLKV is a merit medal awarded by the Prussian vets' association. I believe only a small percentage of a locale's membership were allowed this medal @ 10% .
It is NOT the same as the oval members' medal. Everyone got those.
The PLKV was awarded through 1935 and I have seen documents for its award to 1938.

[gregM]

I always thought that to be awarded the Centenial medal, the person
had to be in the military in 1897. Am I wrong?

[saschaw]

I always thought that to be awarded the Centenial medal, the person
had to be in the military in 1897. Am I wrong?

Yes, you are. Not only the mentioned but also the vets of 1864, 1866 and 1870/71 were awarded the medal in 1897.

[gregM]

Thanks Sascha,
I learned something new today

[Indyarch]

And I continue to learn more. Thanks for adding to the thread greg, McCulloh and saschaw.