Megan

Well, time has passed and I've ploughed my way through all the medals that I can find. Tney are on my website and here, as promised, is a PDF with more information (where I have it). This is the style I intend, over time, to use for everything - this just happens to be the very first one that is (sort of) ready to meet the light of day. I'd appreciate comments on how to improve - as well, of course, any images or information that I haven't found yet! Spanish Medals of the War of Independence.pdf

Thank you most kindly! May I ask your real name for the acknowledgements (by DM if you prefer)?

I've not caught everything yet by a long chalk! The reference books I am using are: Noticia de las Órdens de Caballería de España, Cruces et Medallas de Dístinction, Madrid 1815. Dueñas. J.V. (1843) Coleccion de cruces y medallas de distincion de España. Madrid, Yenes. Gillingham, H.E. (1926) Spanish Orders of Chivalry and Decorations of Honour Numismatic Notes and Monographs #31. New York, American Numismatic Society. The first 2 I found in Google books, the third is on the American Numismatic Society's website. I've also been using the relevant chapter from Barac, B. (2016) Reference Catalogue Orders, Medals and Decorations of the World: Part 1V Gold Book (P-Z). OBOL, Zagreb. So now I have to find the book you've referenced, Antonio! As you can see, my Spanish is getting a good work-out. As well as the website, I am compiling everything in a document which I'll share as a PDF someday... It's all made for an excellent Christmas break! (and Google books works its magic again!)

Beautiful... and information that's hard to find! Rocket - is there any chance you'd be kind enough to permit the use of your images on my website? (Full acknowledgement given, of course)? Must see if I can track down that book.

Looks glorious... hope my French is up to it

<Blows dust off topic> In the past month or so I have finally turned my eye to these early Spanish awards. Please have a look at my site if that interests you... I can post some here with additional information should you wish.

If you follow the link, it would appear that the drawings were made by the craftsman who made the medals... which are indeed fantastic. Unfortunately there's no mention of what they're call or what they are awarded for!

Nice one... I found it after I'd made my post, of course

Announced today (25 September 2021), the medal to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee, marking her 70th year in office. The obverse shows Elizabeth II's head with the inscription ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA FID DEF. The reverse depicts a lion statant guardant atop a crowned royal armourial helmet, surrounded by ermine. The medal was designed by Timothy Noad of the College of Arms, the portrait of The Queen is by Ian Rank Broadley. It will be awarded to members of the armed forces, emergency services, and prison officers who have 5 years' service on 6 February 2022, to living holders of the Victoria Cross and George Cross, and to members of the royal household.

Over a year ago, I spotted a train guard wearing enamel ribbons on his uniform - a trio of Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, and Cadet Forces Medal. He was a bit startled when I asked him which of the Cadets he'd been involved with, without mentioning the ribbons at all!

Interesting, thank you for that thought SpeedyTop. That does make a kind of sense.

Given a jumble of Soviet and DDR awards, and apparent service in Army, Police, Customs, Border Guards AND State Security... not to mention Construction, Railways, and Agriculture... I'd guess this is a fantasy bar of whatever ribbons the vendor could get his paws on.

Some fine images here, thank you for sharing Emmanuel.

Thank you very much!

tcjbomber, would you be kind enough to grant permission for me to use this image on my website, please? (and if you are willing, may I have your real name for the credits?)

I have been known to drink Lapsang Souchong and Tea, Earl Grey, Hot... both "without pollutants". I normally have one mug of coffee in the morning, then spend the rest of the day drinking Orange & Mango squash (by the pint). Then evening comes and it's a pint, followed by red wine with dinner and sometimes a drop of Laphroaig afterwards.

That looks rather nice.

Nice.... (more of these darn Russian gongs!)

The last version of this award is also distinctive in having the 'stipple' effect on the reverse, rather than the completely plain one of earlier types.

Great story, Enzo, and a great reminder that duty, honour, and courage are displayed on both sides of a conflict (my father served in the British army in Italy...)

The latest issue of JOMSA crawled through my letterbox this morning with a fascinating article on Nigerian medals in it. Wilschut, E. (2020) The Biafran Conflict and its Origins Described Through Medals. Journal of the Orders and Medals Society of America 71(5):3-12. It explains quite a lot about early Nigerian medals in general and answers some of the questions posed in this thread. (Note that all JOMSAs are now digitised as well as printed, and you can get a digital-only subscription for $19.95 - a good investment as the journal is a real treasure-trove.)

Who awarded this?

Colours and the design of the eagle would suggest German, but the cross isn't shaped like any German - or Austrian - award I know...

So sorry to hear that poor Elie was caught up in this horrific incident, good news at least that both he and his family are safe.

Nice... it so happens that I decided to turn my eye to the DDR, and already have found a large number of images to add to my site. Fighting a bit with a correct order of precedence, though. Does anyone have a definitive one?