Orders, Decorations and Medals

France, Saar Protectorate, Saar Mines Medal, 1st Class, gilt, obverse: crossed hammers, ‘Etat Français. Mines de la Sarre’; reverse, ‘Ehre und Arbeit 1922’, incorrect ribbon, good very fine, scarce £40-60

Following the end of the Great War and by the Treaty of Versailles, the Saar area of Western Germany was occupied jointly by the forces of the United Kingdom and France. In 1920 Britain and France established a nominally independent government which was recognised by the League of Nations, the two countries being given a 15 year mandate over the area. The Saar region was particularly coveted by the French - it had been included as part of France during 1798-1814 despite its inhabitants being ethnically German; however, it was its rich mineral and industrial wealth that was the overriding factor. Coal Mining was the dominant industry of the Saar and this was nationalised and directly administered by France. However, in the plebiscite of 13 January 1935, held at the end of the 15 year mandate, some 90% of the voters expressed the wish to be part of Germany once more and the Saar was duly returned to German administration.

Following on from the nationalisation of the coal industry, the Saar Mines Medal was instituted on 30 September 1921 and was awarded in three classes - gold, silver and bronze. The Medals, inscribed in French and German, could be awarded for outstanding service and also for long service - the bronze medal awarded for 30 years, the silver for 40 years, and the gold medal for 50 years service. Award of the medal ceased with return of the region and its mines to Germany in 1935.