FireMedals

Kgard, Thanks for the information. I'm updating my files now. Firemedals "I get by with a little help from my friends"

Knight?s Templar photograph This photo comes from a card, probably c. 1900. I believe the men were officers in the National KT organization, this being taken while they were attending an annual encampment. They are wearing their officer jewel in the middle of their uniforms; the medal to the far right being a commemorative of that particular encampment. The membership medal can easily be identified in their ?group?. This type of photo illustrates how a KT in uniform could be misidentified as a military man. Firemedals

Knight?s Templar Membership Medal This medal is probably one of the most commonly encountered U.S. Masonic/fraternal medals, and is also probably the most often incorrectly identified. The Masonic Knight?s Templar were formed in 1816, and still survive today, although their numbers are reportedly dropping. They base their history on a non-existent connection with the KT?s of the Crusades. To become a KT the man must be a member in good standing in a regular Masonic Lodge, and hold the 7th degree in the York Rite of Masonry, which is called the Royal Arch Degree. The KT?s meet in lodges called Commanderies, and they wear military-style uniforms, which is one reason for the misunderstanding as to their purpose and affiliation. Many Commanderies after the Civil War (1861-1865) wore a uniform very similar to that of the Union Army, complete with shoulder epaulets for officers. The uniform is now more varied, but old photos of KT members still seem to reinforce the myth it is a military organization or has a military connection. Their membership medal is a white Maltese cross worn on a black ribbon, based upon the uniform of the real Knight?s Templar. The center medallion usually has the eagle design from the U.S. seal, with ?E. Pluribus Unum" around, but there are some variations. These medals have been around since at least the 1870?s, and I have personally cataloged over 24 varieties. The older medals have more character in their manufacturing than the modern pieces; some modern ones have bars with the names of the Commandery; and occasionally you?ll see a half black, half white ribbon; but they are still just membership medals. The most common mistake with identification of these medals is an imaginary connection with the Civil War, and Civil War veterans. The medal is often seen on dealer/auction listings as a ?funeral? medal. One author of a book on Civil War insignia even claimed this, giving the myth an undeserved level of credibility. Since it has a black ribbon, it must be a funeral medal?Right??? Since it has a military looking eagle, and ?E Pluribus Unum? ?it must be military?.Right??? As we have all hopefully learned by now, don?t base an opinion of a medal?s purpose on its design. Interestingly enough, as the Civil War vet?s died off, and the medal still survived, the ever creative dealers made them Spanish War?then WWI?and WWII, and, yes, even Korean War, ?funeral? medals. NOT!!!!! Here is an example of a fairly modern medal. The reverse is usually plain, some earlier ones have maker?s stamps. Firemedals

Kgard, Thanks for the comments and the scans. I'm basing my information about these pieces on my knowledge of American Masonry. You may have a better take on these than I do. The reverse plaques have names and dates, but also have a variaiton. The one is Carnarvon Chapter No. 5, G.C.Q., and the other Montreal Chapter No. 7, G.R.Q.. Firemedals

Here is something to end the year with. I acquired one of these medals years ago as a gift from a friend, and figured it was a uniquely made piece by the recipient. A couple of years ago I actually found another similar piece, so now I need any information any Canadian brethren may like to add. The ?medal? in both cases in a British Penny, 1896 on one and 1897 on the other. They have been fitted with a suspension loop and given a gold wash. Each has a silver keystone plaque applied to each side, one of which is engraved with the mystic letters of the RA being HTWSSTKS, around a blank circle for the ?mark? of the member. The old stonemasons used private marks to identify their work (true, not legend), and as the keystone of an arch is the most important component to hold it together, it became the symbol of this branch of Freemasonry. As can be seen in other insignia, members are encouraged to have their personal mark engraved on some insignia. The mark on these two medals is a play on the initials of the names of the brothers, but other marks are often geometric or random shapes chosen by the brother. The reverse plaque has the engraved info on the RAM Chapter name and date the person received the medal. One medal is dated 1903 and the other 1921. Both of these medals were presented in Canadian RAM Chapters, one Carnarvon and the other Montreal. The ribbon is red and light blue. These may be officer jewels. The York Rite started in England in the mid-1800?s, and was in early America by 1797. Anyone with additional information, please submit it. HAPPY 2006 TO ALL Firemedals

Kgard, Obviously the same organization, with the usual English twist you find in Freemasonry. We do use the title of Frater also. I didn't think of including that. And yes, there were no central insignia, etc., on the cross in the American jewel for any members that I recall. You're right about the presentation of papers, but ours was pretty much all about Masonic topics, but that was just the College I was affiliated with. Can you post the SRIA website again? It didn't show up on the message...at least not on my computer. I'd love to see a listing of the papers for 350+ years of research. Firemedals

The Societas Rosicruciana in Civitatibus Federates (SRICF) was formed in April 1880, in Philadelphia PA. The society is divided into Colleges, I believe only one per Masonic jurisdiction in the U.S., which means one per state. I believe they are a U.S. organization only. Membership is by invitation only and limited to a certain number of members, who must be Master Masons in good standing, and of the Christian faith. They generally serve as Masonic historians, publishing papers on areas of Masonic interest, and often have some interesting information and research. Unfortunately these papers are seldom seen outside of Masonic magazines and newsletters. The reverse of this jewel is plain, but they occasionally engraved with the recipient's name and motto. When a candidate is selected for membership he has to come up with a Latin motto unique to his college. This medal was in use in the early 1990?s. These awards are quite rare due to the limited membership and because the medals are returnable upon the death of the member and are re-issued to new members. Firemedals

Modern Masonic Lodges seem to be getting away from the issuance of medals for long service to the Lodge, and are going to the ubiquitous lapel pins. These are usually well made, and often have some gold content or perhaps a small precious stone, and can be worn outside the lodge. However, it?s not the same as a medal. Below are examples of service pins from Indiana, Pennsylvania (25 year in silver, 50 year in gold), and Delaware.

I recently gained access to a small collection of Masonic and fraternal medals and "stuff", and I'll be posting parts of it as time permits. It's not all purely Masonic, but as many of the fraternal organizations in the U.S. have copied the Masons in insignia and degree format, I'll freely list them under this topic unless there is opposition. Sorry for the overtext on the photos. These medals are part of a collection that I do not own, and may be sold in 2006, and the owner won?t let me post them without the text. I don't have access to photos of both sides at present. Several Masonic jurisdictions in the U.S. present Veteran Medals. These are for long membership, usually for 50-years, in the Lodge, and HAVE NOTHING TO DO WITH MILITARY SERVICE. A Mason certainly may be a military veteran, but the two are not connected. Some Lodges recognize war service, and there is an American allied Masonic organization called the National Sojourners for Mason's in the military who are officers or warrant officers. I?ll add information on these aspects of Masonry at a later date as time permits. I?ve attached photos of Veteran Medals from five U.S. Masonic jurisdictions; New York, Ohio, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Pennsylvania (pin-back). The older versions tend to be named. The medals are, l. to r.; - New York State Grand Lodge, awarded 1945 - Ohio, no date but probably no later than c.1910 - Massachusetts, awarded 1905 - Rhode Island, not dated but probably c. 1930's - Pennsylvania, silver service pin, length of service not noted, reverse engraved with name and 1926 date. On the obverse, at the bottom of the garter is the number "21". This refers to the man's Lodge, which is the Perseverance Lodge in Harrisburg PA.

Chuck, Thanks for the information. Much better than my attempts to use a Russian dictionary. Anyone have any photos of how jettons were usually worn? The two I have show some wear in the suspension loop, but I would expect these to be on a chain or perhaps a pin bar. Anyone familiar with these??? Firemedals

The reverse of the above pieces.

Here are scans of two Russian fire-related jettons I've had, and have no idea as to what they are for. The one on the right is for 25 years of something, 1876-1901, probably a fire brigade anniversary. The reverse of that one is plain. The round one has ; 7 20 May ?? _______ 1903 2 The "20" in 7 20 is in small numbers and underlined. The "2" after 1903 is in subscript. Assume that is the date, but I'm not familiar with the dating system. Any ideas are appreciated. FireMedals

Got a few moments to hide in my office, so I'm going to try some scans. This is the Imperial Society of Firemen Insignia of Distinction badge. I apologize for the poor photocopy. Anyone have a photo of a real one? FireMedals

Georgecl Thanks for starting this...some great badges in your collection. There are several fakes circulating that can fool the unexpecting. As most collectors have never seen originals, this is a great reference. In regard to the SOCIETY OF THE BLUE CROSS, my limited references say the Society was formed to aid firemen and their families. Perhaps the families of those killed or injured in the line of duty. Gold and Silver classes, but there was also a jetton for those who donated money. Can't say I've ever seen one of those. I also show an Imperial Society of Firemen Insignia of Distinction; Silver oak and laurel wreath with an Imperial crown on top. In the center are the initials "W.A." in Cyrilic of course, standing for the Grand Duke Vladimir Alexandrovitch, the patron of the Society. After his death in 1909 the initials were changed to "M.P." for the Grand Duchess Marie Pavlovna, who became patron. The base has a firemens helmet and crossed axes. I only have a poor photocopy. I'll try to scan it next week ( away for Thanksgiving) and post it if it's any good. I also have information on a couple of other similar pieces, I'll try to post later. Thanks again for the photos, Fire FireMedals

Gentlemen, If we are talking about great Austro-Hungarian naval officers of the first half of the 20th Century, I would have to nominate Johann Gambolputty de von Ausfern -schplenden -schlitter -crasscrenbon -fried -digger -dangle -dungle -burstein -von -knacker -thrasher -apple -banger -horowitz -ticolensic -grander -knotty -spelltinkle -grandlich -grumblemeyer -spelterwasser -k?rstlich -himbleeisen -bahnwagen -gutenabend -bitte -eine -n?rnburger -bratwustle -gerspurten -mit -zweimache -luber -hundsfut -gumberaber -sh?nendanker -kalbsfleisch -mittler -raucher von Hautkopft of Ulm. Firemedals

Mike, With the three languages on the reverse, I'd consider this as a possible Swiss piece. I've seen this on other Swiss items. Looks like a WWI token mounted as a pin. Sorry I can't translate any of it. Firemedals

Sal and Mr. Bean, Thanks for the information on the tag. I was not familiar with it, but as it was with some old fire brigade related stuff...I couldn't leave it behind. The German fire brigade website is great. I'm going to brush up on my German and drop them an email. I'll post a follow up if I find out anything interesting. ???Are there any questions the members of this forum can't answer??? Regards, Firemedals

Here's the Romanian Fire Service medal... c.1955, probably used until the end of the Soviet years. This is the only purely fire service MEDAL. Romania also used various badges for bravery and achievement in the fire service, rather than additional medals. No reverse image at the moment. Shows crossed fire axes and the various symbols of the workers paradise. More info always welcome. Firemedals

I'll have to get a clear shot of the reverse. Thanks Firemedals

Thanks for the info. Glad to see I'm a good guesser. The last ribbon looks REAL clean though. I've seen the ladder style ribbons. This one has no staining or discoloration from dyes. Even the insice of the ribbon folds are bright white. Could this be something else? Firemedals

Anyone interested in military history, and thinks they can't benefit from this forum,... A few weeks ago there was some discussion of the German lapel-style ribbon bars, with a nice typically long German name, if I remember correctly...my translation is "thingie". Anyway, while looking through some boxes at a local antique mall I found one. Never would have touched it if I hadn't learned about them right here! Using my very, very limited resources on such matters, I think this is represents the awards to a Bavarian, with the Bavarian Military Order of Merit, the Iron Cross, Hindenburg Cross and..... ???? White ribbon with a red stripe near each side. Thanks...like I didn't have enough stuff to spend money on! What do you think??? Firemedals

Another of the odds and ends - I've never paid much attention to these until joining this forum. Now I'm curious about all kinds of stuff. Is this an ID tag, like a US dog tag?? If so, what's the wording and number? Obviously not very useful in identifying a KIA. Anyone willing to give a short explanation on these things for those of us haven't a clue? The wording is: Loschzug Liblar 26 Firemedals

Graeme, The Fire Brigade LSM is not that uncommon to WWII soldiers, the requirement being 20 years service in a career OR volunteer brigade. Many of these guys, as with the vets here in the US, got very involved in their communities after the war. So anyone with qualifying service after 1954 (when the Queen's medal was created) should have one. What I believe has perhaps saved your group is the named Territorial Medal. I think many Fire Brgade medals have been stripped from the un-named WWII medals and sold over the years, an activity common to named military awards also. Thanks for posting the photo. FireMedals

Number 7 appears to be the Korean Order of Military Merit / Distinguished Military Service. This was awarded for either gallantry or meritorious conduct in combat or non-combat assignments. The Order has four classes; Taegue; Ulchi; Chungmu; and Wharang. Each class has three grades, identified by a Gold Star (1st Grade), Silver Star (2nd Grade) or no star (3rd Grade). The reverse should have the markings KOREA / DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL [in Korean of course] / the grade of the award, and a stamped serial number. Records of the awards exist and I have known some collectors who have had success in tracing medals. Each award has a different ribbon; 1st Cl. (Taegue) - a light blue with four white stripes near each edge, 2nd Cl. - (Ulchi) - a brown ribbon with three white stripes near each edge, 3rd Cl. - (Chungmu) - a light blue with two white stripes near each edge , and 4th Cl. - (Wharang) - a reddish-yellow ribbon with one white stripe near each edge. These awards appears to be a 2nd. Class Ulchi, in 1st and 2nd Grade, assuming the stars are different. FireMedals

David S. Just a guess, but it looks like the full size medals could be slipped under the folds of the ribbon on the front, stitched in place, and give you a nice court mounted group. Is there room under the fold to do that? FireMedals