(Silberne Verdienstmedaille). Instituted 5 June 1841 by King Ernst August. (1841-1846 issue). Constructed of silver, on loop for suspension from its period original ribbon, the obverse bearing a raised and rightward-facing profile of King Ernst August, circumscribed by name and title with a date of “1837”, the reverse bearing a central wreathed inscription of “VERDIENST UMS VATERLAND” (“MERIT TO THE FATHERLAND”), the edge carefully engraved with a recipient’s title and name of “SCHIFFSCAPITAIN (SHIP CAPTAIN) NORWOOD”, the obverse profile bearing an engraver’s mark of “FRITZ F.”, measuring 35.87 mm in diameter, weighing 27.0 grams, a small head version in extremely fine condition.
Footnote: Schiffscapitain Norwood appears as a recipient of the decoration in the 1857 edition of Hof- und Staatshandbuch für das Königreich Hannover.