Early Hungarian Fire Brigade Long Service Medal 1884 – 5 Years
Key Information:
• Country: Hungary
• Institution: Hungarian State Fire Service
• Year: 1884
• Award: 5 Years of Service
• Material: Bronze
• Diameter: approx. 37.36 mm
• Suspension: Original triangular ribbon
• Period: Austro-Hungarian Monarchy
Medal Design:
Obverse: Central Hungarian coat of arms beneath the Holy Crown of St. Stephen, surrounded by firefighting attributes including ladder, helmet, trumpet and tools. Inscription around: “ALAPITTATOTT” and date “1884”.
Reverse: Large Roman numeral “V” within laurel wreath. Surrounding inscription:
“A MAGYAR ORSZÁGOS TŰZOLTÓ SZÖVETSÉG SZOLGÁLATÁBAN”
(Translation: “In the Service of the Hungarian National Firefighters Association”).
Condition:
• Attractive old bronze patina
• Honest age wear and surface marks
• Minor staining visible
• Original ribbon present, showing age wear
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
This medal was instituted in 1884 to recognize long and faithful service in Hungarian fire brigades during the Austro-Hungarian period. Early issues from the 19th century are significantly scarcer than later interwar or 20th century versions. It represents one of the earliest organized firefighter service decorations in Hungary and reflects the formalization of civil protection institutions in the late 19th century.
Summary:
An original 1884 Hungarian Fire Service 5 Years Medal in bronze with strong historical character and desirable early issue date. A solid addition to any collection of Austro-Hungarian, Hungarian, or firefighting memorabilia.