A Scarce 1923 Saar Mines Medal; 3Rd Class Bronze Grade

Description: Bronze, obverse illustrating crossed hammers, surrounded by the inscription in French "ETAT FRANCAIS MINES DE LA SARRE" (French State Saar Mines), framed in a full wreath of laurel leaves, reverse inscribed in German "EHRE UND ARBEIT" (Honour and Labour) and dated "1923", framed in a full wreath of laurel leaves, 27 mm, on an original German Imperial China Campaign Medal 1900 ribbon, oxidation spots, near extremely fine.

Footnote: 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 recognized by the League of Nations, the two countries being given a fifteen year mandate over the area. The Saar region was particularly coveted by the French. It had been included as part of France from 1798 to 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 nationalized and directly administered by France. However, in the plebiscite of January 13, 1935, held at the end of the fifteen year mandate, some ninety percent of the voters expressed the wish to be part of Germany once more and the Saar was duly returned to German administration. Following the nationalization of the coal industry, the French government issued the Saar Mines Medal on September 30, 1921, to be given to the Germans working the coal mines of the Saar region, which could be awarded for outstanding service and also for long service, and was awarded in three classes: 1st Class Gold Medal for Fifty Years' Service, 2nd Class Silver Medal for Forty Years' Service and 3rd Class Bronze Medal for Thirty Years' Service. The awarding of the medal ceased with return of the region and its mines to Germany in 1935.