This guide will cover the Großherzogtum of Sachsen-Weimar Ehrenzeichen für 1870/71 (Honor Medal for 1870/71) only.   Grossherzog Carl Alexander of Sachsen founded this medal on 19 July 1871 and it was awarded to men and women equally for their service (combat and non-combat) in the Franco-Prussian War.  The specific stipulation that the same award was to be for women was at the insistence of Grossherzogin Sophie of Sachsen.  

The Großherzogtum of Sachsen-Weimar Ehrenzeichen für 1870/71 was made of silver and was not hallmarked.  The medal is officially described as being in the form of a stylized cross but the illustration portrays a different overall style than is generally imagined.  A double ring silver suspender was utilized through which the silver suspension ring passed.  The obverse had a spray of laurel leaves bundled at the bottom and the edge had a thick border.  Within the spray was the inscription FÜR RÜHMLICHE THÄTIGKEIT 1870 - 1871.  The reverse carried a very styliced cypher of CA (Carl Alexander) with an S (Sophie) all intertwined and topped with the crown of the Grossherzog.  The edge had a wide border.  The ribbon is a black color with 2 bands at each end of gold, green, and thin gold on the edge.  It is about 3.05cm wide and had a fine weave with an intricate weft design.  Contemporary ribbons were of silk, the weave is 16-18 rows per cm, each thread is 2 strands of ca. 16-19 fibers per strand, and it is always UV-negative.  It should be noted that the original ribbon is noticably thin when compared to a modern replica. 

Sachsen-Weimar Ehrenzeichen für 1870/71

This medal is not common on the market although almost 100,000 were possibly authorized.  Many medals were made which were never issued (or were used as displays) and have found their way onto the collector market.  To date, no copies have been documented although it is quite possible that some exist.  My best advice is:  Purchase only from a German medal dealer who will offer a 100% guarantee.  Please see my other guides and blog (http://blogs.ebay.com/tsa-li) for further information.   Thanks for viewing!