For Advancement Medal. Secretariat of War and Navy

This advancement medal was issued by the Secretaría de Guerra y Marina, the department that preceded the current Secretariats of National Defense and of the Navy. It was awarded as recognition of progress, diligence, or performance within the military sphere and its training academies.

The Secretaría de Guerra y Marina existed during much of the 19th and 20th centuries, until its division into separate departments. Its merit medals reflect the organization of the armed forces and the military instruction of the era.

Cataloged by Grove among the merit pieces and struck in brass, it has no recorded year. Its value lies in the link to a key military institution in Mexican history and in the testimony it provides about awards for advancement within the sphere of national defense.

The "Al adelanto" (For Progress) Medal is a military school award from the Second Mexican Empire, the era of Maximilian of Habsburg (1864-1867). It was given to cadets of the Elementary Troop Schools who stood out for their progress, which is why it bears the engraved motto "Premio al Adelanto." It carries no year struck on the die.

What it shows

The obverse presents the bearded bust of Maximilian in profile facing right, with the legends "MAXIMILIANO" and "EMPERADOR" at the sides and a suspension ring at the top, a sign that it was worn hung as a decoration. The reverse surrounds the field with the inscription "ESCUELAS ELEMENTALES DE TROPA," a radiant star at the center, and the text "PREMIO AL ADELANTO" framed by a wreath of laurel and oak.

Context

During the Second Empire, Maximilian's government created medals and decorations of merit to reward employees and soldiers and to reinforce loyalty to the regime. This piece is part of that educational effort within the army, recognizing the troops' achievement in their elementary schools.

Value and collecting

A medal is not legal tender, so it has no face value: what matters is condition, the metal, and historical interest. It is struck in brass, weighs 12.96 g, and measures 31.81 mm. Well-preserved imperial pieces are in demand among collectors of Mexican military history. If you want to buy, sell, or appraise it, check the shop directory and compare opinions in the forum.