Baden, Grand Duchy. A Military Karl Friedrich Order, to Hermann Klenzmann, c.1915

(Verdienstmedaille des Karl Friedrich Verdienstorden) Instituted 1807. Type VIII, 1915-1918 Issue. A circular medal constructed of silver, the obverse centre bears a crowned griffin holding a sword and a shield with the Baden flag on it, below is a cannon and three stacked cannon balls, the top is inscribed “FÜR BADENS EHRE” (FOR BADENS HONOR), the reverse centre is inscribed with “DEM TAPFEREN KLENZMANN” (THE BRAVE KLENZMANN), encompassed by a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom, with an elongated suspension loop, with period original yellow and red striped ribbon, measuring 40.27 mm (w) x 43.90 mm (h), extremely fine; accompanied by red pebbled case with gilt embossed “F” and border, with push button clasp, the interior lid of cream-coloured fabric and medal bed of navy felt, measuring 60.05 mm (w) x 67.65 mm (h), some material fatigue on case, but otherwise very fine.

Footnote: Frank Zelosko; Fur Badens Ehre, Dritter Band: 1fd.Nr.616. Awarded to Klenzmann, Hermann, Ceremony on: 15.12.1917; Rank: Sergeant, born: 04.12.1894; Reserve Infantry Regiment No. 28/3. Company, citation reads: "Since the start of the War, at the front, during continuous fighting the regiment executed excellently, and he (Klenzmann) was wounded during the counter-attack on 20.09.1917 in Flanders." Entered "only" for the silver-medal-award of the Military Karl-Friedrich Merit-based, and iron cross I. class. Total of 1282 silver Military Merit Medals awarded during WWI, very scarce and very desirable award. *** Klenzmann, Hermann, Verleihung am:15.12.1917; Unteroffizier *04.12.1894. Ersatz-Infanterie-Regiment Nr. 28/3. Kompanie “Seit Beginn des Krieges an der Front, an allen Kämpfen des Regiments hervorragend beteiligt, wurde beim Gegenstoss am 20.09.1917 in Flandern verwundet.” Eingegeben “nur” zur silbernen Verdienstme-medaille- Verleihung der Militar-Karl-Friedrich Verdienstmedaille aufgrund Eisernem Kreuz I.Klasse.***