Military Merit Medal - Kingdom of Westphalia

Militärverdienstmedaille des Königreichs Westphalen

1809-1813

Silver

37.5 mm X 32.5 mm.

Obverse: HN (Hieronimus Napoleon)within a wreath of oak and laurel, under the royal crown with the date 1809.

Reverse: A trophy of arms consists of a breast plate through which passes a club supporting a helmet, two flags, one pennant with spear, a musket barrel with bayonet, two cannons and two piles of six cannon balls. Around the edge the inscription: FUR TAPFERKEIT UND GUTES BETRAGEN

Silver grade Military Merit Medal from the Kingdom of Westphalia. By royal decree of 16 June 1809 the Military Medal was established in two grades as a reward for noncommissioned officers and soldiers who have been distinguished by their conduct and bravery. The silver grade was awarded after 10 years military service and the gold 30 years service, or for both grades, having been distinguished during the time of war. The medal was worn on the left breast at the height of the third buttonhole.

Model with Seven canon balls, the more common variant is with six balls.