This guide will cover only the Sachsen Landwehr Long Service 2nd Class Badge.  The Landwehrdienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse Schnalle (often abbreviated L.D.A.  2.) was instituted on 23 April 1874 by the Sachsen King Albert.  It was designed to be worn slighly below the heart (although you often find it misplaced in contemporary photos).  Awarded to Landwehr and Reserve members – regardless of rank or status, there were four minimum requirements: 

1. Twelve years minimum Landwehr service and    
2. Participated in a campaign or at least 3 months active service and   
3. Outstanding military and civilian reputation, free of criminal convictions and  
4. Recommended by their Commanding Officer. 

The Sachsen Landwehrdienstauszeichnung 2. Klasse Schnalle is an ornate gilt clasp of "neusilver", approximately 42mm wide by 21mm high (varies, based on the maker), it has the monogram AR ("Albert Rex", where Rex is the Latin term for King) centered with the Sachsen crown above.  The green woven ribbon (UV-negative) has 2 wide white stripes close to each end with a narrower white stripe in the center and is mounted through the clasp onto a metal frame (approximately 40mm wide x 30mm high).   As originally awarded, this badge was found with a pin-back to this award for easy attachment and removal  but was sometimes sewn directly onto the uniform after the pin-back was removed.  Recipients of this badge were generally granted more rights (for instance, the right to vote was automatic if not previously qualified) and responsibilites than common citizens.  The statutes specified that the the badge could be revoked in certain cases while the possession was generally regarded as a royal approval of the holder.  Contemporary documents that mention this badge are uncommon but the references generally speak in glowing terms of the recipients.  The German standard reference code used for this award is "OEK 2317".

On 6 September 1913, it was replaced by the Sachsen Landwehr Long Service Medal.  It's important to remember that the Sachsen active duty military had a similar award which is often confused with this one.  It's important to compare this to the Prussian equivalent since this was designed to be a more prestigious award and the cost reflects this difference (as well as fewer being awarded, obviously).  In many ways, this award is also 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 they have made an introduction since 2006.  This is primarily due to the fact that it's more expensive to make a copy than the original cost (typically €20 to €50 but the price is increasing).   The best copy identifiers are the workmanship when compared to an original although the ribbon may have been replaced.  My best advice remains:  Buy only from a reputable dealer who specializes in German medals.  

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