Any info about this medal/award

[eldenwaff]

Almost all results turn up in German, would seem to be a fairly obscure decoration

[Brian L.]

Lippe-Detmold Kriegs-Ehrenmedaille (war honor medal).

Actually, it's not obscure at all and is fairly common. Worth about 80-100 EUROS with ribbon.

Could be worn on a combatant ribbon for meritorious service at the front, or non-combatant ribbon for meritorious service on the home front.

[Don D.]

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[pzrwest]

Am I correct assuming that the medal bar made up by Godet & Son used their own medals they produced or would they use what ever medals the owner of the medals gave them?

[Brian L.]

Am I correct assuming that the medal bar made up by Godet & Son used their own medals they produced or would they use what ever medals the owner of the medals gave them?

Given that the Lippe-Detmold Kreigs-Ehrenmedaille was made exclusively by C.F. Zimmermann in Pforzheim, one would assume that Godet was merely a supplier.

By the way, 459 were awarded for front service and 1249 for home-front service.

Very nice set, Don.

[eldenwaff]

"Obscure" in the sense that barely any English results are returned, unlike if you google "Iron Cross" ect.
If only 459 were awarded would seem to be fairly rare, thanks for the info. Figured it had a ribbon at one time, as most ringed decorations do.

[Brian L.]

"Obscure" in the sense that barely any English results are returned, unlike if you google "Iron Cross" ect.
If only 459 were awarded would seem to be fairly rare, thanks for the info. Figured it had a ribbon at one time, as most ringed decorations do.

Actually, if you know what to search for, there's English reference. However, I don't think having plenty of reference in German, a major European language equates with "obscure".

In total, 1708 were awarded. But, that's not an indication of how many would have been produced. So, not rare. It's easy to find one for sale, if one wants one.

[Claudius]

Actually, if you know what to search for, there's English reference. However, I don't think having plenty of reference in German, a major European language equates with "obscure".

In total, 1708 were awarded. But, that's not an indication of how many would have been produced. So, not rare. It's easy to find one for sale, if one wants one.

"rare" or "scarce", "common" or "uncommon" these and other terms are regularly bandied about to describe the total number of awards in comparison to other awards. And each collector will define the terms differently. Next to the going price in the current marketplace it is further used to define the "scarcity" of an award.

The fact is that awards have a market price based on the desirability of the award to other collectors and what another collector will pay for it. Imperial German and Third Reich items will command higher prices, while some other countries will not, regardless of number of awards.
Does any believe they made more Congo Military Merit Crosses in gold than Imperial German EK1s? No, but you can buy a Congo Military Merit Cross for less than an EK1.

@Eldenwaff: This is a great award. Lippe is a small principality, the award was produced in small quantities and awarded even less. And that makes it "uncommon", at best.

Overall it is a good strike of a beautiful, mono-chromatic gilded medal. On the obverse, the Royal Lippe Rose is in the center, surrounded by a wreath and the Royal Family's script "L" at the 12 o'clock position. On the reverse, a rough translation is "Proven true during a serious time". The 1915 refers to when Prince Leopold IV authorized the award on October 25, 1915 for all men and women who help with the war effort. Typically for contributions to the public welfare like the care of the wounded soldiers or other work for the Red Cross. Earned in the Lippe principality or in enemy territory.

It's a great medal and it looks a lot like the one I owned. My only advice is get a replacement ribbon for it. Medals without their ribbons always look like their half dressed (to me).