cazack Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 Just wanted to share some of my Indian medal collection. I have just started collecting Indian medals and like the fact that a majority are numbered and named. I find that they are not as easy to find to buy as other countries, but maybe that will be some of the fun in collecting Indian medals Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Strong Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 Hello Caz Very nice collection to date. Are your Vishesh Seva Padak - Special Service Medal - all the same "Suraksha" clasp? Later Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 20, 2014 Author Share Posted April 20, 2014 yes they all are Suraksha Clasps awarded to the following: 44011443, Sepoy, Singh. G, SLI 15379543, SM, Singh. A.K. (no regiment on medal) 4569947, Sepoy, Suba. S, GC (not sure what unit GC is) IC - 43895, Major, Vknair. V.S., Artillery Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Strong Posted April 21, 2014 Share Posted April 21, 2014 (edited) Hi Caz Thanks for that. It's hard to find this medal with other bars....or so that has been my experience Larry Edited April 21, 2014 by Laurence Strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Excellent collection Caz, thanks for sharing them with us. It is my opinion based on observation that the medals of Independant India are getting harder to find. It was not that long ago that is seemed that the market was flooded with them but now that "flood" seems to have subsided. A friend of mine, and fellow GMIC member, living India, has told me that these medals are no longer available in the street markets as they once were. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Johnson Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Well, we are now past the stage of "vestiges of colonialism" and into probably increasing awareness in India of their history. Michael Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Great collection! Thank you for sharing it. The do like how colorful the ribbons are. Are there any english language publications on these awards? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Hi Paul, Look for Medals and Decorations of Independant India co-authored by Ed Haynes. It should be avasilable through an eBay seller. I would have to say the top book on the subject. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Hi Michael, I would think you are correct about the increase in the interest in their own country's history; that and the increased affluancy of some sections of the population. The other factor, in my opinion, is that there is a finite number of medals with an infinite number of collectors. It's the "American Buffalo" scenerio all over again. Collectors thought that there would always be an abundance of Indian Medals so this area went unnoticed for years (lucky for me), now more collectors are taking a second look and starting to collect. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul R Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 Thanks Brian. It may be well worth getting. Interesting topic. I had no idea that Ed wrote reference books for collectors. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 thanks for the feedback and replies I have couple of questions in regards to rank and unit abbreviations. I have a pair of medals (Paschimi Star, Sangram Medal) that was given to Singh. M, 27391 and lists his rank as MTD, unit is the IAF (Indian air force I take it. can anyone tell e what rank is MTD? Also I have a Sainya Seva Medal B & A Clasp stating the rank as DMT, Again any idea on the rank lastly I have a Special service medal, Suraksha clasp to a Sepoy, the unit abbreviation is G.S. what could this unit be kind regards and thanks in advance Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Hi Caz, I can't seem to locate my notes (renovations) on INdia regimental abbrevations at the moment. The only one I can recall of the three you are asking after is G.S. which stands for General Service. I do have some medals marked G.S. but once again due to renovations and the need to store furniture in the study I can't locate them. Perhaps Larry can shed some light on your question. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 23, 2014 Author Share Posted April 23, 2014 hi Brian thanks for that GS would make sense, I am still stumped with the rank though regards Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Strong Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 (edited) Hi Caz Would it be possible to get some scans of the engraving? It's is not unheard of that a bad stamp or engraving can look like a different letter. One example that comes to mind was a Paschimi Star to a COOK SMRI.P.SINGH DMC turns out it was COOK SMRI.P.SINGH EME. Larry Edited April 24, 2014 by Laurence Strong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 Hi Larry, Once again you make a very good point. Those of us interested in collecting the medals of Independent India know every well the poor state of some stampings. We even see letters stamped the worng way around producing a backwards "E", for example. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 26, 2014 Author Share Posted April 26, 2014 please find photo of the back of the star I have also re checked the Sangram Medal and it is MTD clearly stamped on there as well regards and thanks Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Wolfe Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 That's the first time I've seen any letters associated in this manner along with the regimental number. To paraphrase Ed Haynes, "Anything can happen and In India at least twice". I hope others, like myself, will keep digging for the answer. Steak and beer at my place for whoever comes up with the answer first. Regards Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 26, 2014 Author Share Posted April 26, 2014 Hi Brian cheers for that, as mentioned I also have one with a rank DMT well if anyone does figure these out will also shout a beer and steak regards Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurence Strong Posted April 26, 2014 Share Posted April 26, 2014 Funny you should mention Ed Haynes, as I took the opportunity to ask Samir Arora on SAGongs. Here is his replyHi Larry, Hope you are well. My guess would be that MTD is Motor Transport Driver DMT would be Driver Motor Transport (could also be Director of Military Training, but i dont think so in this case) The last one i am not so sure of but general staff, general service or general support or even ground support come to mind. I am not really sure...but this should give you some ideas with which to move on. Hope i have managed to be of some help! Best as always, Samir. Hope it helps some Larry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cazack Posted April 27, 2014 Author Share Posted April 27, 2014 hello Larry (and Samir) thanks for your input and the information provided has answered my questions. Maybe it would be good to start a database of rank and unit abbreviations for post 1947 Indian medals Also does anyone know where you can buy Indian medal ribbons? again thanks to all for your help and assistance Caz Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taz Posted April 27, 2014 Share Posted April 27, 2014 Hi Guys, the list on this site might help to make a start for your rank and unit abbreviations list. http://indiannumismatics.com/abbreviations.php Regards Eddie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted May 12, 2014 Share Posted May 12, 2014 The fun ones are the pre-'47 ranks: 'mistri' [and it is], lascar, syce, chaprassi and so on. Now its mostly odd abbreviations and, as noted, misspellings done I suspect by Hindi speaking mint workers whose grasp of English and military nomenclature is less than perfect. Or clerks who just don't care much, a universal in civil services! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray11 Posted August 8, 2014 Share Posted August 8, 2014 Just wanted to share some of my Indian medal collection. I have just started collecting Indian medals and like the fact that a majority are numbered and named. I find that they are not as easy to find to buy as other countries, but maybe that will be some of the fun in collecting Indian medals Caz Thanks for starting this. I thought i had a good number of India medals YA maybe about 1/2 of 1% or so. This forum rocks wow i have never said that before. best,Ray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest portadownmedals Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 Jeremy Tenniswood militaria has lots of post '47 ribbon + inexpensive. Can anybody give me a dealer source for Indian Republic medals in the UK? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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