This medal is a German fire service long service award for 25 years of service, specifically the Bavarian Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen für 25 Jahre Dienstzeit from the Weimar Republic era (post-WWI, around 1920-1933).
Identification
The oval bronze medal features a fire helmet (Stahlhelm-style) with crossed bones (Totenkopf) on the obverse, typical of fire brigade iconography symbolizing danger and readiness. The reverse inscription “FÜR 25 JAHRE DIENSTZEIT” confirms 25 years’ faithful service in the voluntary fire service.[Attachment +4]
Historical Context
Instituted July 1, 1920, by the Bavarian government to replace Imperial-era awards, it recognized continuous service in volunteer fire brigades. Initially cast iron (patinated bronze appearance), later zinc; worn on a blue-white striped ribbon denoting fire services., specifically the Bavarian Feuerwehr-Ehrenzeichen für 25 Jahre Dienstzeit from the Weimar Republic era (post-WWI, around 1920-1933).
Identification
The oval bronze medal features a fire helmet (Stahlhelm-style) with crossed bones (Totenkopf) on the obverse, typical of fire brigade iconography symbolizing danger and readiness. The reverse inscription “FÜR 25 JAHRE DIENSTZEIT” confirms 25 years’ faithful service in the voluntary fire service.
Historical Context
Instituted July 1, 1920, by the Bavarian government to replace Imperial-era awards, it recognized continuous service in volunteer fire brigades. Initially cast iron (patinated bronze appearance), later zinc; worn on a blue-white striped ribbon denoting fire services.