This guide will cover only the Prussian 9-Year Military Long Service Medal (9 Jahre Dienstauszeichnung).  It was instituted in 1913 to replace the Militär Dienstauszeichnung Schnalle 3. Klasse.   It was awarded to military active duty NCO's and enlisted personnel for 9 years active service and required the recommendation of their Commanding Officer.   Awards of this medal continued until the 3rd Reich introduced a series of new medals.  These medals are often found on WWI German medal groups and identifies the wearer as a Prussian. 

Originally, only one long service award could be worn, so this medal could not be worn with any other (as well as any of the Landwehr long service awards).  It's important to remember that the Prussian Landwehr had a similar award which is very often confused with this one.   During the 3rd Reich era, the rules were changed which allowed for the wearing of 2 long service awards. 

The 9-Year Long Service Medal was made of a metal similar to a silver cupro-nickle with a ring loop soldered on for the suspension ring (which is often of a dissimilar metal) through which a blue silk woven ribbon (UV-negative) is worn.  The diameter varied over the years from about 32 mm to 35 mm and was relatively thick at slightly over 2 mm.   The obverse had the Prussian crown centered with Treue Dienst  (Faithful Service) arching the upper portion and bei der Fahne (with the colors) arcing in the lower portion.   The reverse carried only a IX, which represented 9 years.   No attachments were authorized but you sometimes encounter one with a 3rd Reich eagle device - which is absolutely incorrect.  The presence or absence of a miniature 3rd Reich eagle device on a ribbon bar helps in identifying which medal is represented since the ribbons were often exactly the same.

Much of the data available on this medal is quite confusing since many confuse the various classes and military vs. Landwehr awards.  Because of this, you can often obtain these awards for very reasonable prices.   In many ways, this award is very similar to the British Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

It is interesting to note that there are few copies on the market, but the number is increasing since 2006.  This is primarily due to the fact that up until recently, there has been little interest in this award.  The most common copy utilizes the casting technique with a lead type metal.  My best advice remains:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in Prussian medals.   For your convenience, an index to Prussian medal guides is located at:  http://reviews.ebay.com/Prussian-Medal-Guides-Index_W0QQugidZ10000000002387411.  Please visit my blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) and/or guides for further information.  Thank you for your visit!