Lukasz Gaszewski

I finally went to see "King's Speech" last week. To me one of the best films I saw recently. I hope those who saw it liked it too. Now a little riddle for GMIC fellows (not very difficult I think, except perhaps the last row): can you recognize the ribbons of Bertie's orders and medals? I can provide more photos if you need. Happy hunting! A close-up of the ribbons:

(Order Usmiechu) Instituted in 1968. The only decoration of the world conferred on children's proposal and behalf to adults, irrespective of nationality, statehood and profession, for a heart shown to children. Initially Polish, it is now an international order with its own chapter. The investiture is accompanied by a ceremony, during which recipients must drink a cup of lemon juice to the bottom, keeping a smile on their faces. The medal was designed in 1967 by a then 9-year-old girl, Ewa Chrobak (a dame of the order since 1997). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Smile

Just like with most order of merit, the class was closely related to recipient's rank. According to Todor Petrov, the 3rd class (Commander) was awarded to colonels and lieutenant colonels, 4th class (Officer) to majors and captains, 5th class (Knight) to lieutenants and 6th class (Silver Cross) to all non-commissioned ranks. The 5th and 6th class alone could be awarded with or without crown, which not only let differentiate the level of merit, but also left a possibility of a second award when needed. Please also note that the war ribbon could only be worn with the 4th, 5th and 6th class of the order and there was no rosette on the war ribbon on the 4th class.

Greg, Interesting. No room for service ribbon in a box is a good hint. I can't remember I have ever seen such a ribbon. I believe it is one of those few without a ribbon like that.

Medal for 5 Years:

Medal for 15 Years: Medal for 10 Years:

Some more eye candy for you. Medal for 25 Years: Medal for 20 Years:

Does anybody know if this medal had a service ribbon as well?

Very nice pictures indeed! Will somebody be kind enough and tell me why Field Marshal Stewart's GCB sash is BLUE??? :speechless: :speechless:

Bronze medal:

Silver medal:

The Medal 'Gloria Artis' for Merit to Culture was instituted on July 20, 2006. It is conferred in three classes by the Minister of Culture of Poland to Polish or foreign men of art and broadly understood culture: writers, poets, translators, actors, directors, musicians and painters, as well as to men of culture promotion: editors, journalists, librarians and museum workers. Gold medal:

25 years: 30 years:

15 years, 2nd type: 20 years:

10 years, 1st type: 10 years, 2nd type:

The Medaille für treue Dienste in den bewaffneten Organen des Ministeriums des Innern was instituted on January 22, 1959, originally in three classes (bronze, silver and gold): for 5, 10 and 15 years of service. It replaced the Medal for Long Service in the German People's Police (Medaille für Treue Dienste in der Deutschen Volkspolizei), instituted on April 28, 1955 in two classes, bronze and silver: for 5 and 10 years of service. On August 28, 1964 three new classes were added: for 20, 25 and 30 years of service respectively. In 1970 the obverse of the three lower classes was changed to contain GDR's coat of arms; the ribbon, originally mid-green, was altered to slightly lighter apple green. Medal for Long Service in the German People's Police, 5 years (courtesy http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medaille_f%C3%BCr_Treue_Dienste_in_der_Deutschen_Volkspolizei): Medal for Long Service in the Armed Organs of Ministry of Interior, 5 years, 1st type:

The Civil Defence LSM (Medaille für Treue Dienste in der Zivilverteidigung) was awarded for 5, 10, 15 and 20 years for individuals who served professionally in the Civil Defence. It looked almost identical to the NVA LSM, with the same ribbon, only the words "NATIONALE VOLKSARMEE" were replaced with "ZIVILVERTEIDIGUNG".

All of them are Italian/Holy See: Grand Officer of the Order of Merit of the Republic (pre 2001); Officer's 25 Year Service Cross Medal for Meritorious Service in the State Police (15 yrs); Silver Merit Medal of the Italian Red Cross; Donat's Cross of the Order of Malta; Order "Pro Merito Militense" of the Order of Malta (Commander); Order of the Holy Sepulchre (not sure what class); Order of St Gregory (Officer) Judging from the classes, the ribbons must have belonged to a high-ranking commissioned police officer.

And the version for the NVA and Grenztruppen:

No, they aren't. The question remains open how many of them are genuine. It is not difficult to find a longer strip of the appropriate ribbon and a pentagonal plate and remount the civilian version.

Nice group and a really generous deed! A little off-topic: where can you find information about the awards of the Canadian Royal Life Saving Society?

Kind of good-bye medal from the late DDR. Here is the type for uniformed services (no bar - sorry):

Exactly!

Actual and worn along with other medals! Here is the type for the uniformed services.

Reverse: