A Collection of 'Non-Official' Commemorative Medals and Medallions

[David B 1812]

David R. BENNETT – The DAVID BENNETT MEDAL COLLECTION©

A Collection of Non-Official Military, Military Related, Commemorative

and Other Sundry Medals and Medallions – 2014 ©

This is an illustrated study / analysis of my own collection, covering about 55 medals and medallions which,

although most are ‘non-military’ (some HAVE a military connection, although they are ‘non-official’), they

may have interest for collectors of military medals. When we acquire groups of military medals, they quite

often come with sundry badges, photographs, papers, etc., and, sometimes, assorted medals or medallions

such as those listed here. Essentially, I have created what might be considered a ‘basic reference collection’

on this subject, to which other collectors / members may wish to add, thus building up a nice reference list.

Not all these medallions or medals have a South African connection. Some relate to the U.S.A.; Germany;

the U.K.; Rhodesia; Israel, Vietnam and Italy.

NOTE: With reference to the ILLUSTRATIONS, below: T-L = Top Left; T-R = Top Right;

L-L = Lower Left and obviously, L-R = Lower Right, unless otherwise stated.

Reference to ‘Rosignoli’ is the book: “Ribbons of Orders, Decorations and Medals” by

Guido Rosignoli, 1979, Blandford Press, Poole, Dorset, U.K.

Any Internet addresses given were correct at the time of writing this article, July, 2014.

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Scan A:

T-L: 1887: Queen Victoria Jubilee (Leeds version), white metal, 38mm.

Obv: “Victoria Born 1819 Ascended the Throne 1937”.

Rev: “Commemoration of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, 1887”, with Arms of the City of Leeds.

A copy of this medal is held in the Leeds City Museum.

T-R: 1887: Queen Victoria Jubilee, bronze, 38mm. (Issuer unknown.)

Obv: “Victoria Reg - Jubilee Year 1887”. Victoria portrait by Heaton.

Rev: (upper) Crown surrounded by rays. (lower) left and right – wreath. With the inscription:

“In Commemoration of the Fiftieth Year of the Reign of H.G.M. Queen Victoria.

Ascended the Throne June 20^th 1837”.

L-L: 1887: Queen Victoria Jubilee, white metal, 32mm. (Issuer unknown.)

Obv:”In Commemoration of the Jubilee Reign of H.G.M. Queen Victoria 1837 – 1887”.

Rev: (upper) Crown surrounded by rays. (lower) left and right – wreath. With the inscription:

“Victoria E.I. Born May 24 1819; Ascended June 20.38; Crowned June 28.38;

Married Feb.10.40; Jubilee 1887”.

L-R: 1900: Lord Roberts, bronze, 30mm (Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs)

Obv; (portrait of Lord Roberts) Legend: “Field Marshal Lord Roberts of Kandahar”

Rev: Seated Winged Victory, pointing to centre of Rifle Target. Legend:

“Society of Miniature Rifle Clubs”.

(see: http://www.rifleman.org.uk/Society_of_Miniature_Rifle_Clubs.htm )

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Scan B:

T-L: 1901: King Edward VII, bronze, 24mm (issuer unknown)

Obv: “King Edward VII and Alexandra – 1901”

Rev: (uncrowned portrait of Edward and Alexandra) Legend: “Prince and Princess

of Wales, Nov. 9^th 1901”.

T-R: 1908: Kaffraria, copper, 30mm (issuer unknown) (German Immigrants)

Obv: “Kaffraria. 1858 – 1908. Arbeit Ueberwindt Alles”.

Rev: “Zur Erinnerrung An Die 50 Jaehrige Feier Der Landung Deutscher Ansiedler

in Sued Afrika”. Commemorating the arrival of 1600 German settlers in the

N.E. Cape, in 1858.

L-L: 1911: King George V, white metal, 38mm (issuer unknown)

Obv: “H.M. King George V and Queen Mary”. Both crowned portrait.

Rev: Britannia standing, at left. Above - Royal Arms. Lower – Empire Arms. Legend:

“Coronation June 1911. God Save the King”.

L-R: 1919: City of Johannesburg – Peace Medal, copper, 32mm

Obv: Soldier (L) Sailor ® either side of what appears to be a Miner. Legend:

“To Commemorate The Conclusion of the Great War. Peace with Honour”.

“1914 – 1919”, and “Reg 14/1919”.

Rev: Johannesburg City Arms, surrounded by laurel wreath.

“28^th June, 1919. Johannesburg”.

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Scan C:

T-L: 1914 – 1918: Durban Recruiting Committee Medal, (City of Durban), bronze, 26mm

Obv: (upper) Springbok Head, surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, with central inscription:

“PRO PATRIA”. Medal suspended from a Blue, White and Red Ribbon (possibly original).

Rev: (on plain field) “Presented by the Durban Recruiting Committee”

T-R: 1914 – 1918: Durban Recruiting Committee Medal, (City of Durban), bronze, 26mm

Obv: (upper) Springbok Head, surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, with central inscription:

“PRO PATRIA”. Medal suspended from a Violet Silk Ribbon (possibly indicating mourning).

Rev: (on plain field) “Presented by the Durban Recruiting Committee”

L-L: 1925: Edward Prince of Wales, bronze, 28mm (South African – Pretoria Mint)

Obv: Uncrowned left facing portrait of Edward, with the legend: “Edward Prince of Wales”.

Rev: A fasces surrounded by a Protea Wreath, with the legend: “S.Africa, Z. Afrika 1925”.

Probably to commemorate the Royal Visit of the Prince of Wales to South Africa in 1925.

A copy of this medallion is in the Royal Collection Trust. (A similar medal, was also

issued by the Province of Natal – with the Natal Coat-of-Arms reverse, as well as

another six other local variations).

L-R: 1934: Prince George Visit to Durban, bronze, 30mm. City of Durban.

Obv: The full Coat-of- Arms of the City of Durban (for the period).

Rev: On a plain field, the legend: “To Commemorate the Visit of H.R.H.

Prince George to Durban March 1934”.

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Scan D:

T-L: 1935: King George V Jubilee, Middlesex, silvered base metal, hexagonal, 38mm x 38mm

Obv: Crowned profiles of King George V and Queen Mary, bearing the inscription:

“King George. Queen Mary. Silver Jubilee. A.D. 1935”.

Rev: Coat of Arms surrounded by a Laurel Wreath, inscription: “County of Middlesex”.

Presented by the County Council. With what is thought to be the original, pinned, ribbon.

T-R: 1935: King George V Jubilee, South Africa, bronze, 32mm (NOT suspended)

Obv: Crowned, robed profiles of King George V and Queen Mary, with the legend

inscribed as: “VI . MAII . MCMX . MCMXXXV”

Rev: The Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa (of the period), with the legend:

“Unie Van Suid Afrika – Union of South Africa”. (S.A. Mint)

L-L: 1935: King George V Jubilee, South Africa, bronze, 32mm (WITH Suspension hole)

Obv: Crowned, robed profiles of King George V and Queen Mary, with the legend

inscribed as: “VI . MAII . MCMX . MCMXXXV”

Rev: The Coat of Arms of the Union of South Africa (of the period), with the legend:

“Unie Van Suid Afrika – Union of South Africa”. (S.A. Mint)

L-R: 1935: King George V Jubilee, South Africa, bronze, 32mm (WITH Suspension hole)

As T-R and L-L above, but showing the REVERSE of the medallion. (S.A. Mint)

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Scan E:

T-L: 1936: Empire Exhibition Johannesburg, bronze, 32mm (S.A. Mint)

Obv: Exhibition Hall, with the legends: “Empire Exhibition – Rykstentoonstelling –

Ex Unitate Vires”

Rev: In-spanned Ox-wagon, with setting sun behind. Legend: “Johannesburg 1886 -

Eendragt Maakt Magt” (Unity is Strength)

T-R: King George VI Coronation 1937, South Africa, bronze, 32mm (S.A. Mint)

Obv: Portrait King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - robed and crowned. With the

legend: “Kroning – Coronation – 12.5.1937”

Rev: A Lion and Lioness, with Sun behind. Legend: “Unie Van Suid Afrika – Union

of South Africa”.

L-R: King George VI Coronation 1937, South Africa, copper, 32mm (S.A. Mint)

As T-R above, but showing the REVERSE of the medal.

L-L: King Edward VIII Coronation 1937, copper and brass (plated ?) 30mm (issuer unknown)

Obv: Portrait, uncrowned, Edward VIII, right facing, in uniform. With the Legend:

“Coronation of King Edward VIII – 1937”

Rev: This medallion has no reverse – fitted with a “button-hole” clasp. NOTE: This is a

very interesting medallion, because Edward was NOT crowned, and, by 10 December,

1936, he had abdicated and the 1937 ‘crowning’ date was used for George VI instead.

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Scan F:

T-L: Allied 5^th Army - Liberation of Naples, 1943, brass, 30mm – Medallion TYPE IV

Obv: Mount Vesuvius and Naples Bay, (without boats) with inscription: “5^th Army”

Rev: “Commemorative Medal – Of the Entrance of the Allied Armies in Naples –

1^st October 1943”. (Script is partially curved around the medal, and straight in

the centre) This medallion is suspended from a plain orange ribbon.

T-R: Allied 5^th Army - Liberation of Naples, 1943, brass, 30mm – Medallion TYPE V

Obv: Mount Vesuvius and Naples Bay, (with boats) with inscription: “5^th Army”

Rev: “Commemorative Medal – Of the Entrance of the Allied Armies in Naples –

1^st October 1943”. (Script is in a series of straight lines on the reverse of this type)

This medal is suspended from an Italian medal ribbon (cf. Rosignoli - No.143) using the ribbon of the

medal: “Commemorative dell’ Asse” – the Italian/German Alliance Medal.

Note: This medal exists in seven similar TYPES, I to VII and I have, through an internet search,

seen at least NINE different ribbons used. For a study of the seven different types,

please see:

http://www.questmasters.us/Italian_Campaign_Memorabilia.html

Rosignoli illustrates this medal with the Italian Fascist March on Rome Medal ribbon (No. 64)

suggesting that at the time, various different Italian medal ribbons were used, by the local Italian

manufacturers of the Medal, in Naples – i.e. whatever was available, locally.

L-L: Peace Medal, 1946, aluminium (?), 32mm (issuer unknown)

Obv: Portrait King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - robed and crowned.

With the legend: “H.M. King George VI - H.M. Queen Elizabeth”.

Rev: Flying Angel, two Laurel Wreaths, inscribed: “Peace Declared – June 1946”

L-R: Royal Visit, South Africa 1947, copper (?) 32mm – probably Government issue.

Obv: Portrait King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - robed and crowned. Inscribed

around outside: "Royal Visit - Koninglike Besoek".

Rev: The Coat of Arms of the Union of S.A., of the period, with” 1947” underneath.

Inscribed around the outside: “Unie Van Suid-Afrika - Union of South Africa”

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Scan G:

T-L: Royal Visit, South Africa 1947, aluminium (?) 34mm – probably Government issue.

Obv: Portrait King George VI and Queen Elizabeth - robed and crowned. With the legend:

“George VI – Elizabeth - South Africa 1947”. Suspended from a pin bar with Laurel Wreath.

Rev: South Africa Coat of Arms, of the period, with the legend inscribed around this:

“Commemorative of Royal Visit – 1947”

T-R: Royal Visit, South Africa 1947 Showing the REVERSE of T-L, above. (without suspender)

L-L: Jan Van Riebeeck, Tercentenary 1952, cupro-nickel, 32mm (issuer unknown)

Obv: Small bust of Jan Van Riebeeck upon a fluted pedestal, flanked by a young girl

(left) holding a palm-frond; and a young boy (right) placing a Laurel Wreath on the

head of Van Riebeeck. No inscription.

Rev: Plain field with the inscription in horizontal lines: “Jan Van Riebeeck –

Drie Honderd Jarige Gedenkdag – Tercentenary – 6 April 1952”

L-R Jan Van Riebeeck, Tercentenary 1952 Showing the Reverse of L-L above (w/o suspender)

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Scan H:

T-L: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation 1953, Port Shepstone, bronze, 32mm

Obv: Right facing portrait of a crowned Queen Elizabeth II with the date “2.6 and 1953”

either lower side of the portrait, and inscribed around the outside: “Elizabeth Secunda”

Rev: In the centre, a three-mast sailing ship, in full sail (possibly the Coat-of-Arms)

and the words: “Borough of Port Shepstone” inscribed around the ship. On the outer

edge of the medal reads the inscription in large capitals: “CORONATION – KRONING”

T-R: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation 1953, bronze, 32mm (issuer unknown, possibly Govt.)

Obv: Right facing portrait of a crowned Queen Elizabeth II, but WITHOUT date, and

inscribed around the outside: “Elizabeth Secunda”

Rev: Around the outside, two elaborate Laurel Wreaths in a circle. In the centre,

two proteas with the date, “2.6.53” between them, and around those, the larger

inscription: “CORONATION – KRONING”

L-L: Queen Elizabeth II Coronation 1953, Bulawayo (Rhodesia), bronze, 32mm

Obv: Right facing portrait of a crowned Queen Elizabeth II with the date “2.6 and 1953”

either lower side of the portrait, and inscribed around the outside: “Elizabeth Secunda”

Rev: In the centre, the Coat-of-Arms of the City of Bulawayo (Rhodesia) with the

inscription: “CORONATION” immediately below the Arms. Around the outside:

“Presented by Bulawayo”.

L-R: The State of Israel 1973 – 25^th Anniversary, cupro-nickel (?), 32mm

Obv: In the centre, a Menorha, with “25” below, and the dates “1948 – 1973” below

that. Inscribed around, the legend: “Twenty Fifth Anniversary of the State of Israel”.

Rev: On a plain field, showing a Star of David above and below, between which is

inscribed in seven lines: The first two lines in Hebrew script; the next two: “Presented

By The S.A. Zionist Federation”, and the last three lines: “Geskenk Deur Die S.A.

Sionistiese Vereeniging”.

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Scan I:

T-L: Republic of South Africa 1961. Establishment of the Republic, bronze (?) 32mm

Obv: The 1961 Coat-of-Arms of South Africa, surrounded by the words:

“Republiek Suid-Afrika”, and “Republic South Africa”

Rev: A stylised line plan of the five pointed Cape Town Castle, with the date

“31-5-1961” in the centre.

T-R: Republic of South Africa 1961. Establishment of the Republic, bronze (?) 32mm

Showing here, the REVERSE of T-L, above.

L-L: Republic of South Africa, 1966 5^th Anniversary, bronze (?) 32mm

Obv: A stone arch, with a Springbok head at the keystone position, and a large

figure ‘5’ in the Arch. To either side of the arch, the words: “Republik van

Suid-Afrika” and “Republic of South Africa”

Rev: The Coat-of-Arms of the City of Johannesburg, with the word:

“Johannesburg” on the lower edge, below the Arms.

Otherwise plain. The reverse of this medal is illustrated in Scan – O at L – R.

L-R: Republic of South Africa, 1971, 10^th Anniversary, bronze, 38mm (S.A. Mint, Proof)

Obv: The S.A. Coat-of-Arms, with ‘1961’ and ‘1971’ on either side.

Rev: A stylised running figure in a large crashing wave, with the words: “Groei – Growth”.

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Scan J:

T-L: ) South Africa 1974, 25^th Anniversary, Voortrekker Monument, Gold, Silver, Bronze, 38mm

T-R: ) Issued by the South African Mint. A numbered (this # 61) three Medallion set, in 9ct gold,

T-L: ) solid silver and bronze. The Obverse shows a stylised Cape Town Castle, with the

Voortrekker Monument (situated on a hill, south of Pretoria) in the centre, and “1974”

below. Around the edge, the inscription: “Landswye Kwaarteeufees Voortrekker

Monument” in Afrikaans (in English: National Quarter Century Anniversary, (of the)

Voortrekker Monument). The Obverse of all three medallions is shown.

Reverse: An elaborate wreath of protea flowers and leaves around the outside, with the

inscription in straight lines, in the centre: “1949 – Quo Vadis? – 1974 – Ons Antwoord”.

(In English, “We Answer”). All contained in a velvet-lined, recessed, S.A. Mint red

leatherette case.

T-R: South Africa, 1981, 20^th Anniversary, Republic, Bronze, 38mm, S.A. Mint, cased.

Obv: On an otherwise plain field, a large stylised flaming torch.

Rev: The S.A. Coat-of-Arms and, on either side, the dates: “1961” and “1981”.

The ILLUSTRATION (Scan J) shows the Reverse of the medallion.

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Scan K:

T-L: South Africa, The Castle, Cape Town Undated, metal composition unknown, 38mm

Obv: A view of the front entrance of the Castle, Cape Town, with below the

Main Gate, the inscription: “The Castle – Die Kasteel”.

Rev: a completely plain field. This is very likely a tourist memento of the Castle.

(c.1998) (South African Historical Mint)

T-R: Vryheid, Natal, South Africa, 1984 Centenary, bronze (?), 32mm (S.A. Mint, cased)

Obv: On the right, the Coat-of-Arms of the town of Vryheid, in Natal, with the word

“VRYHEID” at the top. In the centre portion: “Eeufees – Centenary” and below,

the date: “1984”

Rev: On an otherwise plain field, the Coat-of-Arms of the town of Vryheid.

L-C: The Institute of Traffic Officers, South Africa, 1986, (composition unknown), 51mm

Obv: The Coat-of-Arms of the S.A. Institute of Traffic Officers, dominated by a five-point

star. Inscriptions – At the top the figure “50” – for the 50th Anniversary of the Institute.

“I.T.O – I.V.B.” on either side of the vertical arm of the Star. Around the lower arms,

the legend: “Tutela – 1986 – Officium” and, around the lower edge: “1936 – 1986”.

Rev: On an otherwise large, plain field, two Laurel Wreaths, forming almost a circle,

allowing, in the plain area, for engraving details of a recipient / presentation.

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Scan L:

T-L: U.S.A. The Vietnam Veterans National Medal 1984, bronze, 38mm

Obv: U.S. Combat Troops engaged in a Helicopter Assault, superimposed over a map

of Vietnam. Around the outer border, the words: “Vietnam Veterans National Medal”

Rev: An eagle, two American flags, and the Capitol building in the lower central quarter.

Above that, on a plain field, and in straight lines, the legend: “In honor of those men

and women who gave of themselves in an effort to ensure democracy and peace

throughout the world this medal is struck. By Act of Congress 1984”.

T-R: U.S.A. The Vietnam P.O.W. / M.I.A. Medal. 1983, bronze, 34mm

Obv: An eagle, partially concealed in a bamboo grove – representing Americans in

captivity. Inscribed around the edge: “POW – MIA – Missing while serving in the

defense of freedom in Southeast Asia”.

Rev: An engraving of the Vietnam Service Medal in the centre, with the words:

“You Are Not Forgotten” above, and below: “By Act of Congess, September 1983”.

Around the outer edge of the obverse, is inscribed: “Honoring Americans Still Missing”,

and, “1961 – Vietnam – Laos – Cambodia – 1973”. The medal comes in two TYPES:

(a) As a medal, that is, with a small, plain ring suspension, using the standard U.S.A.

green, yellow and red Vietnam Service Medal ribbon. The second type is:

(b) As this example, - an un-suspended medallion. Type (a) is NOT authorised for wear.

L-L: South Africa. The GILL MEMORIAL MEDAL, 1960, bronze, 38mm

Obv: A portrait of Edward Leonard Gill (1877 – 1956) an eminent South African

Ornithologist. Inscription around the edge:

“Gill Memorial Medal – South African Ornithological Society”

Rev: On a plain field, on the upper half, allowing the lower half to be engraved with

the details of the recipient, the words: “For Services to Ornithology South of the Zambezi”

(‘South’ of the Zambezi River is considered, for Birding purposes, to be ‘South Africa’)

The Medal was instituted by the S.A.O.S. in 1960, and first awarded in that year. The award

of this medal is VERY RARE, and between 1960 and 1998 (38 years) the medal was only

awarded 14 times. There have been a further seven awards between 2008 and 2014.

THIS MEDAL, only the fifth to be awarded, in 1972, was to Phillip Alexander Clancey, DSc

(26 September 1917 – 18 July 2001) who was a leading authority on the ornithology of

South Africa, and bird artist. Dr. Clancey was Director of the Durban Natural Science

Museum from 1 January 1952 until his retirement on 25 September 1982.

The OBVERSE of the medal is thus inscribed: “P.A. Clancey – 1972”

The medal was made by the S.A. Mint, and is cased in their usual style.

This MEDAL forms part of the David Bennett Medal Collection, along with the military

medals of Dr. Clancey: 913613 Gunner P.A. Clancey, Royal Artillery: 1939-45 Star;

Italy Star; 1939-45 Defence Medal; 1939-45 War Medal; Efficiency Medal, Territorial

(GviR, t.B), and the Coronation Medal, 1953,(EIIR).

L-R: U.K.- Manchester University, Sports Medal, 1913, bronze, 44mm

Obv: An elaborate depiction of the Manchester University Coat-of-Arms, amongst

various other decorative devices and borders.

Rev: Around the edge, the words “Manchester University Athletic Sports”. Inside

that, a circular laurel wreath, leaving a central field, for engraving, and upon which,

on this medal, is engraved: “Tug of War – Hulme Hall – A.M. Goodall – 1913”

The medal is cased in the usual British style. Made by: Elkington & Co. Ltd Manchester.

Part of the David Bennett Medal Collection, this medal, and the abovementioned

Recipient’s War Medals are also in the Collection: Lt. A.M. Goodall, 1 D.L.I. / 6 S.A.I.:

1914-15 Star; British War Medal, Victory Medal. Goodall was K.I.A. on 21 March 1916,

in the Action at Soko Nasai, German East Africa. The Bennett Collection also has the

Medals of Goodall’s brother: 2/Lt H.A. Goodall, R.F.A. – Attd. “Z” 16^th T.M. Bty.:

British War Medal and Victory Medal. He was also K.I.A. on 22 March 1918 at the

Battle of St. Quentin, France. (Part of the Second Battle of the Somme)

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Scan M:

1. London County Council – King’s Medal, 1887 – 1920, bronze, 32mm

   Obv: Right facing portrait of King George V, un-crowned, in uniform.

   Inscription around the edge: “The King’s Medal”

   Rev: A laurel wreath around a shield, upon which is inscribed: “Awarded by the

   London County Council for Attendance, Conduct and Industry during the Year”.

   With Clasp - the dates: “1919-20”

   With upper Suspender - Two acorns, on an oak leaf: “L.C.C.” (London County Council).

   (Official record at:

   https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/visiting-the-city/archives-and-city-history/london-metropolitan-archives/Documents/visitor-information/31-london-school-attendance-medals.pdf )

   The records, and copies of the Medal are held by the London Metropolitan Archives.

   This was the very LAST of the medal to be issued, in 1919/1920

   and is named, on the rim of the Medal to: E.S. Bailey

2. British Red Cross Society, 1914-1918 War Service Medal, bronze-gilt, 32mm

   Obv: The emblem of the Red Cross, (the Geneva Cross) encircled by a laurel wreath.

   Around the outer edge of the medal is inscribed:

   “British Red Cross Society – For War Services – 1914-1918”

   Rev: A laurel wreath in a circle around the outside of the medal, with, inscribed

   in the field: “Inter – Arma – Caritas” (Awarded for 1 year / 1000 hours service)

   With upper pin suspension bar which is not inscribed.

3. South African Red Cross, Three Year Service Medal, 1922 – 1955

   Silver and gilt, 30mm X 22mm - reverse stamped SAM (S.A. Mint)

   Obv: Under a Crown, a Red Cross on a White field, with a Blue outer edge, on which

   is inscribed: “South African Red Cross”. Below the disc, is a white ribbon with the

   words: “Three Years Service” All enamelled, except the gilt crown.

   Rev: Mint mark: “SAM” and an attachment pin.

   Suspended from a brass, unadorned pin suspender, with the correct ribbon. On the

   ribbon is a Clasp, for additional service: “ 3 Years Service “ (This example c. 1940/50)

4. South African Red Cross Efficiency Medal, 1933, silver, 32mm

   Obv: The Geneva Cross (in red enamel) with “The South African Red Cross Society”

   inscribed around the outer edge.

   Rev: A plain field, inscribed: “Efficiency Medallion – First Aid in Mining – awarded to”:

   G.W. Winter – 1933 (engraved). Above the inscription, at the top, is engraved:

   “ No. 1168 “ The medal is hallmarked silver, also with the maker’s mark: “ F&S ”.

   The top pinned suspension bar reads” For Efficiency in First Aid in Mining”

   also marked Sterling Silver, and “ F&S “.

   ===================================================================

   Scan N:

1. Service Medal of the Order of St. John, 1898, silver, 38mm

   Obv: Veiled bust of Queen Victoria, with “Victoria.D.G.Britt.Reg.F.D.Ind.Imp”

   around the outer edge of the medal.

   Rev: An elaborate combination of the Royal Arms and various other related heraldic

   arms and armorial bearings. Around the outer edge, the motto of the Order, in Latin.

   THIS medal NAMED to: 11589. Pte. H. Mayo – Chesham Div. No.2 Dis. – S.J.A.B. 1933

   (This medal was awarded for 15 yr. service, and long service bars were available)

2. Voluntary Medical Service Medal, 1932, silver, 38mm

   Obv: A veiled bust of a female figure, symbolic of Florence Nightingale, holding an oil lamp.

   Rev: A St. Andrew’s Cross (for the St. Andrew’s Ambulance Corps of Scotland) superimposed

   on a Geneva Cross (for the British Red Cross Society). and, inscribed around the edge:

   “Long – Efficient – Service” (This medal awarded for 15 yr. service). This example was

   awarded to: Miss Winona C. Ranken. The brass plate on the ribbon states:

   “Miss W.C. Ranken - Vol Medical L.S. – 15 Years”

   3 -5: The Red Cross Proficiency Award, 1914 – 1968. (metal unknown), 38mm.

   This is part of a three medal group, from 1939 – 1945, awarded to 38820 Miss Alice Morgan,

   B.R.C.S. with the 1939-1945 War medal; the 1939-1945 Defence Medal, and the Red Cross

   Medal.

   Obv: A red, enamelled Geneva Cross, with another smaller red cross on a white shield,

   around which, in a white circle, are the words; “The British Red Cross Society”.

   All enamelled. The original white and red suspension ribbon is used.

   Rev: On a plain reverse, is engraved the recipient: 38820 A. Morgan.

   Suspension: From an enamelled, pinned bar, with a Red Cross above, within the

   scrolled bar, the words: “Proficiency in Red Cross Nursing”.

   Clasp: A second award for “Red Cross Nursing – 1943”

   This group is part of a larger family medal group of father, son and (son’s) wife.

   ==========================================================================

   Scan O:

   T – L: Edward Prince of Wales, 1919, aluminium, 26mm

   Obv: A portrait of Edward, Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) with the words

   on the outer edge: “Edward Prince of Wales K.G.”

   Rev: No decoration. With the legend: “His Royal Highness – Prince of Wales –

   Born June 23^rd 1894 – Colonel of Welsh Guards”. This issue thought to commemorate

   the Prince’s appointment as Colonel of the Welsh Guards on 23 June 1919.

   (issuer unknown, but possibly the Welsh Guards)

   T – R: Coronation George VI, 1937, bronze, 31mm (issuer unknown)

   Obv: Crowned, robed bust of King George VI with the outer edge legend:

   “George VI – Crowned – 12 May 1937”

   Rev: Crowned bust of Queen Elizabeth, similar to obverse, but with the words:

   “Queen Elizabeth – 12 May 1937”. No indication of source, or issuer of this medallion,

   but it was quite obviously to commemorate the 1937 Coronation.

   L – L: Union of South Africa, 1910, white metal (?), 38mm (issuer unknown)

   Obv: A uniformed Prince of Wales (later King George V) and Mary with the legend

   around the outer edge: “T.R.H. The Prince & Princess of Wales”.

   Rev: A series of Coats of Arms, the largest being the Royal Arms of the Prince of Wales,

   at the top, with five smaller Arms around the edge, being those of Natal, Transvaal,

   O.F.S. and the Cape, and that of the new Union of South Africa. In the centre of the

   medallion, the words: “United South Africa – 1910“.

   L – R: Republic of South Africa, 1966 5^th Anniversary, bronze, 32mm

   Obv: A stone arch, with a Springbok head at the keystone position, and a large figure

   ‘5’ in the Arch. To either side of the arch, the words: “Republik van Suid-Afrika” and

   “Republic of South Africa”.

   Rev: The Coat-of-Arms of the City of Johannesburg, with the word: “Johannesburg”

   on the lower edge, below the Arms. Otherwise, plain.

   To illustrate the REVERSE of the same medallion, previously shown on Scan I – ‘L-L’

   ==========================================================================

   SCAN P:

   South Africa: Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 1887 - 1987, 76mm

   Obv: The Coat-of Arms of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, and inscribed around

   the edge of the medallion: “Johannesburg Stock Exchange” and “1887 – 1987”

   Rev: The same wording and dates in Afrikaans (Johannesburgse Effektebeurs)

   and the J.S.E. multi-story building in downtown Johannesburg, in the centre.

   Issued for the Centenary of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, 1987. The metal

   composition is unknown, but the medallion is very heavy, and is probably brass.

   Issued with a blue velvet draw-string bag, for storage.

   Made for Members of the J.S.E. in 1987, and this specific medallion was issued to

   D.R. Bennett who was at that time (and still is), a Member of the Johannesburg

   Stock Exchange. Exact quantities issued are not known, but as there were only

   about 280 individual Members of the J.S.E. at that time, it is unlikely that many

   more than just a few hundred medallions were made.

   ===========================================================================

   End of this Section.

   ALL Copyright, 2014, D.R. BENNETT - The David Bennett Medal Collection - ©

   ===========================================================================

[David B 1812]

With reference to the above post, I missed out "SCAN - J" and I have now had to ADD

it by means of a separate post, under this heading.

Please see separate post, showing SCAN - J.

Thanks,

David B

===================================================================

[Mervyn Mitton]

Well done - an interesting post - with a lot of useful and valuable reference material. Mervyn

[David B 1812]

Thanks, Mervyn - took a lot of time and hard work to research and write it all up,

as you can see............. and quite a few "views" - but no comments, it seems.

David B

=============================================================

[Mervyn Mitton]

Medallions are a subject that have been ignored for far too long. Your excellent post - with it's extensive research - should

serve as a catalyst for our Members' to enlarge on the subject.

SHOULD YOU HAVE ANY OLD MEDALLIONS IN YOUR COLLECTION - PLEASE CONSIDER ADDING THEM TO DAVID'S POST