Zivilverdienstmedaille

The Civil Merit Medal (Zivilverdienstmedaille), also called the Medal of Honour, was the oldest and highest civilian medal for merit of the Kingdom of Bavaria.

It was instituted by Elector Charles Theodore for his 50th anniversary as ruler, on 31 December 1792, in a single class, to reward merit in the service of Electoral Palatinate-Bavaria and the House of Wittelsbach. In 1805, Max Joseph renewed it in gold and silver classes for civilian state officials who had distinguished themselves in the war against Austria. When the Order of Merit of the Bavarian Crown was instituted in 1808, the medal was designated its lowest class.

It was awarded to civilians until the November Revolution of 1918 who qualified for this order but whose rank was below that of collegiate councillor. Holders ranked below municipal chiefs and enjoyed the privilege of having their petitions given preference. They were considered members of the Order of Merit, but not knights, and were entitled neither to ennoblement nor to provision for their children.