Medals from the Pre-WW1 Period
Medals from before The Great War
Long before the dawn of the 20th century, various societies, nations, and empires recognized the need to honor those who demonstrated exceptional courage and service in the face of adversity. The concept of military medals dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations bestowing awards upon their victorious warriors.
Before the cataclysmic events of World War I reshaped the world, these pre-20th-century military medals represented an era of warfare infused with gallantry and the pursuit of honor. Let’s delve into the captivating history behind these awe-inspiring awards, their origins, the legends that surround them, and the remarkable individuals who proudly wore them as we explore the splendid collection of military medals and orders of knighthood that predate World War I.
Popular Pre-WW1 Medals, Orders & Decorations
Here are five renowned military medals awarded before World War I, each distinguished honor representing the valor, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment displayed by brave men and women throughout history.
The Most Noble Order of the Garter
The Order of the Garter is an order of chivalry founded by Edward III in 1348 and regarded as the most prestigious British order of chivalry.
The Insigned Order of the Golden Fleece
The Order of the Golden Fleece is a Roman Catholic Order of chivalry founded by Duke Philip the Good in 1430 to celebrate his marriage.
The Iron Cross (EK 1813)
The Iron Cross (Eisernes Kreuz) is a military decoration of the Kingdom of Prussia and later the German Empire and Nazi Germany.
The Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor (or Ordre national de la Légion d’honneur in French) is the highest French order of merit for military and civil merits.
The Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest United Kingdom honors system award. It is given for gallantry in the presence of the enemy.
The History of Military Medals Before WW1
As societies grew more organized, the notion of chivalry emerged, giving birth to orders of knighthood. These orders, such as the Order of the Garter in England or the Order of the Golden Fleece in Burgundy, established a hierarchical structure where knights pledged their allegiance to a sovereign or a cause. These orders not only recognized military prowess but also embraced virtues like honor, loyalty, and righteousness.
With the passage of time, the designs and criteria for military medals expanded, reflecting the changing nature of warfare and the diverse contributions made by soldiers. Decorations like the Iron Cross in Prussia, the Legion of Honor in France, or the Victoria Cross in the British Empire became synonymous with exceptional acts of bravery and distinguished service.
Popular Pre-WW1 Great Britain Medals
In the annals of British history, a select few decorations stand as enduring symbols of valor, service, and distinction. Among these illustrious honors is the Victoria Cross, an emblem of unparalleled bravery awarded for acts of heroism in the face of adversity. Established in 1856, it embodies the highest ideals of courage and sacrifice. Equally revered is the Order of the Bath, an ancient chivalric order dating back to 1725, which recognizes exceptional military service and merit. These medals and orders represent not only the achievements of their recipients but also the enduring values of duty, courage, and honor that define the United Kingdom’s military tradition.
Popular Pre-WW1 German Medals
German military medals before World War I encompassed a rich tapestry of honor, valor, and service to the nation. Among the most distinguished decorations were the Iron Cross, an enduring symbol of bravery on the battlefield, and the Pour le Mérite, known colloquially as the “Blue Max,” reserved for acts of exceptional valor and leadership. Each of these medals carried with it a legacy of honor and tradition, reflecting the values of duty, loyalty, and sacrifice that defined the German military ethos before the tumult of World War I reshaped the landscape of European warfare.
Popular Pre-WW1 Japanese Medals
In the pre-World War I period, Japanese medals reflected the rich heritage and tradition of the nation. Among these honors were the Order of the Rising Sun, a prestigious decoration recognizing outstanding civil and military merit, and the Order of the Sacred Treasure, bestowed for exceptional service and contributions to the nation. These medals symbolized the values of honor, loyalty, and service that were deeply ingrained in Japanese society during this era. Recipients of these decorations were esteemed for their dedication and commitment to the advancement and prosperity of Japan.
Other Pre-WW1 Medals & Awards
The “Pre-WW1” medal database has hundreds of entries, so in order to allow proper loading, this section will show 12 random medals from this time period. I recommend you go to a specific country if you want to see more.
