Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Grand Duchy. A Silver Merit Medal for Civil Servants, c.1900
(Verdienstmedaille für Zivilverdienst). Instituted 19 March 1885 by Grand Duke Friedrich Franz III. (1885-1918 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a rightward-facing profile of Grand Duke Friedrich Franz circumscribed by name and title, the reverse with a Mecklenburg coat of arms, circumscribed by an inscription of “PER ASPERA AD ASTRA” (“THROUGH DESTINY TO LIGHT”), unmarked, measuring 29.26 mm (w) x 36.57 mm (h), weighing 10.5 grams, in very fine condition.

