This guide will cover only the Prussian Military Long Service 3rd Class Badge.  The Militär Dienstauszeichnung 3. Klasse Schnalle (often abbreviated MDA 3.) was instituted in 1825 by the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III.  It was designed to be worn slighly below the heart.  It was awarded to military active duty NCO's and enlisted personnel for a minimum of 9 years active service and required the recommendation of their Commanding Officer. 

MDA 3.

A Prussian Cabinet Order, dated 4 December 1871, specified that it would be ranked after all orders, decorations and campaign medals.   In 1898, it was specified that this award would be ranked after the 1897 Centenary Medal.  Only one long service could be worn, so the Militär Dienstauszeichnung Kreuz 1. Klasse (21 years) or the Militär Dienstauszeichnung Schnalle 2. Klasse (15 years) could not be worn with this award as well as any of the Landwehr long service awards.  This rule was generally followed until this award was discontinued.  In 1913, it was replaced by the Military Long Service Medal.  It's important to remember that the Prussian Landwehr had a similar award which is often confused with this one. The  MDA 3  is a blackened iron (responds to a magnet test) clasp (approximately 43mm wide by 24mm high) with a back frame (approximately 40mm x 40mm) to which a pin device is attached and has a blue silk woven ribbon with black edges (UV-negative).  The clasp has a double border with F.W.III. centered on a pebbled background.  

A standard German reference code used for this award is "Hüsken - 7.138.2".  Much of the data available on this award 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.  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.  

If you found this guide helpful, a Yes vote is appreciated.  This will help me gauge the level of interest in this and similar topics for further guides.  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!