Kaiserreich Paul von Breitenbach Medaille - Eisenbahn Töchterhort

In an excellent condition a Paul von Breitenbach medal - railway Töchterhort

The medal was donated in 1914 by Paul von Breitenbach as Minister for Public Works (1906-1918). Among other things, he was also responsible for the combined state railways of Prussia and Hesse. The railway daughters' day nursery was a charitable foundation of the state railway that was founded on May 25, 1908 at the instigation of Minister Breitenbach and other ministries. The purpose of the foundation was to support unmarried daughters of deceased railway workers and railway officials. The relief funds of the railways should be relieved and financial help should be given to railway workers in need. Particular attention was paid to sick and weak children, as well as orphans. These should get a good upbringing and education and housing. In February 1908, the Empress and Queen Auguste Victoria took over the protectorate, the honorary presidency. The foundation was financed by collections from the railways and other professional associations. In the spring of 1909, the newly built "Christianenheim" was put into operation in Erfurt. (named after the wife of Minister Breitenbach) The opening ceremony took place on April 19, 1910 with the participation of the Minister and other dignitaries. The home had room for 239 orphans. The home was used to accommodate orphans who were unable to work or had limited earnings. Due to the high demand, the home was expanded in the spring of 1914. The “Paul von Breitenbach Medal” was probably donated at this time. This medal is available as a non-portable medal, with a brooch on the back and with a carrying eyelet. I don't know whether the portable variants were made privately or whether they were issued as such. The medals with brooch are often referred to as 1st class. The medals were presented in a cardboard box with a picture of the "Christianenheim" on the lid.
In 1920, the individual state railways were combined to form the Deutsche Reichsbahn. Together with the boys' daycare center founded in 1922, the railway daughters' daycare center became the Reichsbahn orphanage.

Round silver-plated iron medal with a slightly raised edge.

Frontside:

In the center the portrait of Minister Paul von Breitenbach, looking to the left. On the edge the inscription: - PAUL - V. - BREITENBACH - then 2 crosses. (These in the shape of the Iron Cross)

Backside:

In the middle, slightly to the left, is a man from behind as a torchbearer. The left arm forward holds the torch. The right arm backwards holds a sword. The blade is level with the hip.
A winged wheel behind the right leg down to the knee. On the right edge in the middle, horizontally the year - 1914 -.

Code: 52175