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I wonder how his Great War Medals are named? 'H.M. King George V'? Owain

Gentlemen, I think that the clasp reads, 'Baghdad'. Regards, Owain

P.F., Thanks for the clearer picture - I think my ID's are correct. By the way the 'collar' is not a 'collar' rather it is the Royal Victorian Chain and I believe the neck badge is the Order of the Bath (Military Division) to accompany the lower breast star. Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, An attempt at identifying the first image medal bar: Order of the Bath Military Order of the Star of India Order of St. Michael & St. George Order of Indian Empire Royal Victorian Order Order of British Empire Imperial Service Order 1914-15 Star Great War Medal Great War Victory Medal 1887 Jubilee Medal + 1897 Clasp 1902 Coronation Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, I had the good fortune to meet with Bichay in 1996 and again in 2003 and see my notes below which I hope will be of interest. I also attach a picture from 1996 and also one of me with Bichay in 2003. Regards, Owain Notes of Conversation with Fahmy Tewfiq Bichay, St. Anne Bellvue, Quebec, Tuesday 19 August, 2003. Lattes / Bichay Pronounced ‘Lattess’. Fahmy’s father was the chief craftsman for Lattes and manufactured all awards dating back to the reign of Hussein Kamel (1914-17) including the short-lived Order of Filaha. Bichay also manufactured for two other “jewellers” – Weinberger/Dornberger?? and Robsons?? Bichay’s father took over the workshop for Lattes in the 1930’s. At peak approximately 45 people were employed at the workshops and Bichay joined the business on leaving school at the age of 18 in 1935 becoming a master of all stages of production. His father often met with King Fouad and he in turn met on occasional Friday afternoons with King Farouk. In accordance with his father's wishes he never got involved in politics. Fahmy slowly withdrew from the business in the 1960s – emigrating to Canada in 1962 and returning occasionally to Cairo. He maintained and interest but after the matter of the 1973 War Medal – see below no further medals were manufactured. A shop was retained in Cairo in Talaat Harb Street but this was eventually closed in the late 1990s. Egyptian Medal Ribbon No ribbons were manufactured locally in Cairo but subcontracted to a French company in Nimes? Egypt – Collar of the Order of Mohammed Ali Bichay retained an example of this award and the collar consisted of gold links made in part by his father in the 1920’s and by him in the late 1940s or early 1950’s. At an asking price of US$25,000 it was deemed more suitable that the collar go to auction. Egypt - Cholera Medal 1947 Designer Fox or Fuchs was not a jeweller but a metal worker who was endeavouring to get into the medal business. Egypt - Mohammed Ali Centenary Medal 1949. At least two designs but the approved design was not manufactured and issued and thus the majority of those wearing the ribbon did not have the medal Egypt – Republican Awards The somewhat unattractive designs were a result of the designs being provided by the Cairo College of Art. Egypt - Order of Liberation 1952 This medal was only manufactured in very limited numbers and thus the majority of officers who wore this medal ribbon did not actually have the medal. (The same would probably apply to the Medal of Liberation as proposed for other ranks.) Egypt – 1973 War Medal The last medal that Bichy was involved with – he was asked to tender, however he was undercut by a competitor. Bichay was asked to reduce his price to match the competitor but he declined on the grounds that the price quoted would only cover the costs of the raw materials and he did not wish to manufacture at a loss. Thus the eventual medal was of poor quality. Libya – Order of King Idris Bichay believed that this was one of the most attractive pieces he had designed and manufactured. Saudi Arabia In 1950’s only manufactured the Order of Abdul Aziz and the Order of Social Services. Syria - Order of Merit Originally made by Bertrand with a 6 pointed star after independence in 1948 Bichay asked to tender for the manufacture and suggested that the design should be amended to a 5 pointed star. As Arthus Bertrand was unwilling to release a die, Bichay manufactured his own die. Yemen - Proposed Royal Order Crown Prince Badr took the only proof item and due to the 1962 Revolution the order was never manufactured nor indeed was Bichay paid for his work. Owain Raw-Rees, 30 August 2003.

Many thanks, Owain

Gentlemen, My friend Elie's apartment was some 600 meters from yesterday's explosion in Beirut. Whilst his wife and two boys were away he was at home and is lucky to have survived - apartment (and block) severely damaged - most probably beyond repair. He has some 72 stitches in 22 places. The first two hospitals he walked to barefoot were trashed - only after 3kms he got to a hospital where he was attended to. As he said to me today he is grateful to be alive. Pray for Lebanon. Owain

Emmanuel, Great posts - thank you. I attach some further images : 1. The jewelled breast star on display at the old National Museum in Muscat - the picture was taken some years ago and this and other awards are now housed in the new National Museum. I am assuming, without firm evidence, that this was the star bestowed upon Sultan Faisal of Oman. 2. A different but damaged third class star - sold as an unidentified brooch at a jewellery auction in UK some years ago - I either missed bidding or could afford it! The dates are different so this is a bit of a mystery piece. 3. The obverse and reverse of the miniature. Regards, Owain

Nice posts Emmanuel - many thanks, Owain

Rusty, Superb post - many thanks. The Arabic 'Lattes' mark reads 'Lattes Bimasr' (Lattes of Egypt) - this signature is also on some of the art work. The Egyptian pieces are inscribed 'Ad Dowla Al Masriyah' (The State of Egypt}. The black Libyan version is inscribed 'Al Mamlaka Al Libia Al Muthaida' (United Kingdom of Libya). The Egyptian piece with a crown is new to me and as you note may indicate a problem. Kind regards, Owain P.S. I attach images of the Libyan sets.

Linas, I think they commenced just after the First World War and would have ceased with the overthrow of the monarchy in 1952. The early pieces are by Lattes but from about mid-1930s plus they were by Bichay - same workship different name. Owain

Dear Linas, This is the Kingdom of Egypt Chamber of Deputies (Majlis al Nawab) neck badge - it should be accompanied by a lapel badge - see attached. There is also a Chamber of Senators (Majlis al Shiukh) badge also accompanied by a lapel badge. Initially made by Lattes and then by Bichay. The Kingdom of Libya had a similar series by Bichay in black enamel. Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, Recently acquired but new to me and manufactured in Moscow for the PDRY. The quality of manufacture is superb and I suspect, as these arrived from Moscow, wrapped in their original tissue paper and small unmarked cardboard boxes, that they never got to Aden! Obverse Blue - "Power Workers Day / 22 December" - 18.24gms & 30.6mm diameter Red - "Geologists Day / 15 April" - 19.24gms & 31.7mm diameter Reverse (the same for both medallets) "Peoples Democratic Republic of Yemen / Ministry of Power and Minerals" Both are well designed and well made and incorporate the Arabian Ocean shoreline of the PDRY and symbols appropriate to the industry. The Ministry of Energy and Minerals was established in 1985 having formerly been part of the Petroleum and Minerals Board established in 1969. If these were an early purchase of the Ministry from the USSR then the 1986 PDRY Civil War and the subsequent breach in relations with the USSR meant that none ever reached Aden for distribution. With the collapse from 1989 onwards of both the USSR and the PDRY this concluded the matter, and these badges have 'appeared' from a box/case in the depths of a forgotten somewhere. What else lurks out there? Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, I have had for many years a 1st type but sadly it is missing its central black star. Any idea where I can get one to make it whole again? Thanks, Owain

UKR, It may be a coin or religious token adapted for a necklace. The centre of the obverse reads, "La ila il Allah / Mohammed rasul Allah" (No God but Allah / Mohammed is the Messenger of Allah). I cannot read the rest. Owain

Gentlemen, During the Covid lockdown I have revisited my research on Viscount Kirkwall / Earl Orkney, but to date I have not been able to source an image of him in later life. Any suggestions? Thanks, Owain

Gentlemen, I am researching Subhi Bey as it appears he received the Order of the Star of Ethiopia whilst Governor of Jerusalem - 1908/9. Of Albanian descent he was the first appointed Governor following the Young Turk Revolution and is remembered as a conscientious Governor who instituted the Jerusalem Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture and tried to stimulate the local economy. Before his appointment he was Director of Commerce at the Ministry for Public works in Constantinople. Details of his life and career are proving to be elusive. I believe the Ethiopian award relates in some manner to support of the Ethiopian Church and property in Jerusalem but I am unaware of specific details. My query is whether as Governor of Jerusalem, a direct appointment of the Ottoman Sultan, he would automatically receive one of the Ottoman Orders - Medije or Osmanie? Of course he may have been in receipt of an order in recognition of his previous role. A photograph of Subhi Bey would be nice but to date I have and no success in locating one. Many thanks, Owain

Gentlemen, A friend has sent me another Iraq based RAOB jewel - this appears to be linked to a specific fund raising event linked to the move from Hinaidi to Dhibban / Habbaniya and I would suggest available to all RAOB Lodges in Iraq and each indivdual lodge noted by a specific clasp. Suspension Top Bar - Donor Lower bar - Dhibban Iraq Clasp - Royal Baghdad Lodge No. 3647 Disc Obverse - Dhibban Building Fund Iraq 1937 Disc Reverse - Bro. R.W Smailes APRO 1938 From RAF Iraq Command Wikepedia: Air Headquarter initially situated in the Old British Residency in Baghdad. The Officers were accommodated in various messes in Baghdad and the airmen in a compound at Southgate. In December 1928 the Headquarters moved from Baghdad to RAF Hinaidi Cantonment and was located in one block of the original RAF General Hospital buildings. Apart from the Air Officer Commanding's staff mess, all the AHQ personnel were then accommodated at RAF Hinaidi.[4] In 1937 Air Headquarters and the personnel moved from RAF Hinaidi Cantonment to the newly built RAF Dhibban (renamed RAF Habbaniya in 1938). The Air Officer Commanding then lived in Air House at Habbaniya. Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, Last Tuesday I went to the monthly Kempton Park (wet London) race course antique / bric-a-brac fair - the first since lockdown. I have not been there before and so did not go with any great sense of expectation. A long queue to get in - many vendors - all outside and suitably spaced. Anyway the sun shines on the righteous or at least someone with obscure collecting interests. I obtained two RAOB jewels to the Flying Six Lodge. Iraq is not mentioned on either medal but I recognised the ribbon on one from another piece - the Palm Tree Lodge of Iraq - see above. I was offered them at £10 each and told the vendor that I was buying them on a hunch and he said they were from Iraq - which confirmed my suspicion - bingo. The first medal is the Lodge specific medal bearing on the obverse the Squadron badge and the text, "R.A.O.B. Flying Six Lodge No. 6546" and the Latin motto "Oculi Exercitus". There is no engraving on the reverse. The medal is of silver gilt with a Birmingham silver mark letter "D" for 1928. The makers initials "W.& H." are for Walker & Hall Ltd. of Sheffield as also noted in its presentation box. The second is a generic RAOB medal bearing on the obverse, "Grand Lodge of England" and a suspension brooch engraved, "Flying Six Lodge". Importantly the reverse is fully engraved, "Presented to Bro. Fred Crayton Initiated in the Flying Six Lodge No. 6456 27th March 1925". Thus the pair belong together. The medal is of silver hilt with a Birmingham silver mark letter "D" for 1928. The makers initials "C.& Co." are for Cashmore & Co. of Birmingham as also noted in its presentation box. On looking up the history of RAF No.6 Squadron, formed in 1914 at Farnborough, I note they were based in Iraq from 1919 to 1935 and that the zig-zag ribbon pattern was a squadron design/pattern. The Latin motto "Oculi Exercitus" translates as, "The Eyes of the Army" and reflects its role in observation during the early years of the Great War. The squadron badge is an eagle preying on a serpent but this badge was approved in 1938 so the version on the medal - an Eagle in a figure 6 may be an earlier design, however I note online that the snake represents a six thereby avoiding the enemy identifying the squadron number - perhaps the RAOB jewel did not need to follow this precedent. As I was aware of the existence of the Palm Tree Lodge (possibly a subsidiary of the Flying Six Lodge) - I thought, well I'll never find one of these, but at least I have a picture of it and lo and behold I now have an even earlier piece which pushes back the establishment of such RAOB military/RAF base lodges to at least 1925. Fred Crayton's jewels took three years to arrive from initiation to receipt. "Following the Armistice the squadron transferred to Iraq, arriving in July 1919. Operating in the Army Co-operation role in Northern Iraq, it was equipped with Bristol Fighters, the squadron remained there for ten years before moving to Egypt in 1929. At the same time it re-equipped with Fairey Gordons and assumed the bomber role, Hawker Harts replacing these in 1935. Following problems in Palestine, the squadron relocated there in 1938 reverting to the Army Co-operation role with Hawker Hardys, adding Gloster Gauntlets and Westland Lysanders later." https://military.wikia.org/wiki/No._6_Squadron_RAF So a successful and importantly, an inexpensive foray out. Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, Another Facebook selection of RAOB Oman/Saudi Lodge jewels - no reverse image and I don't know if they are all from the same person: Batinah Lodge No. 9898 - named after the Batinah coast north of Muscat the capital of Oman Dhofar Lodge No. 9721 - see earlier post. Andrew Grainger Lodge No. 9898 - same number as Batinah Lodge above. Midway Lodge No. 10090 - see earlier post. Golden Gulf Lodge No. 9683 - from the design I would infer that the Lodge was based on a British Aerospace compound in Dharhan, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen, And some more from Facebook - these three all from Oman and are no doubt from the period when British servicemen were active in the Sultanate following the accession of Sultan Qaboos: Dhofar No. 9721 - see above also. Bob Hunt of Dhofar lodge No. 9721 - related to the above but who Bob Hunt was/is I do not know Andrew Grainger Lodge No. 9898 - based in Muscat - I do not know who Andrew Grainger was/is. Kind regards, Owain Gentlemen, And this time from Facebook a pair from El Firdan Lodge in Egypt - no image of the reverse - on the left the Lodge jewel and on the right a founder's jewel - I think, based on the style of the Founders jewel, that the pair date from early 1950's - probably before the 1952 Revolution. RAF El Firdan was based at Ismailia on the west bank of the Suez Canal. Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, Another selection this time from a Facebook link: A more recent jewel - Shamal Lodge No. 9948 Saudi Arabia - a shamal is a hot wind from the north - this RAOB Lodge is from one of the British Aerospace bases in Saudi Arabia - Dhahran in Eastern Province . An older piece - Khartoum Sudan - no lodge number - the central rider upon a camel is reminiscent of the Sudan Defence Force. From the post, " The RAOB lodge jewel below is that of the Khartoum Temperance Lodge 6310 it later change its name in 1938 to the Blue Nile lodge 6310.its member were made up of RAF B Squadron sadly The Lodge closed around 1963" Owain

Thanks Gunner - sadly I 'discovered' the silver medal after the article had gone to print - hence it is not noted in the article - sod's law! Owain

Peter, Yes, the bronze one is mine too - whilst scarce they do appear for sale fairly often. Perhaps the silver one was for a senior officer or a trial piece. Owain

Gentlemen, I attach an image of a mystery piece recently acquired - a UN medal for Ethiopia in silver. This is the first time I have seen such a piece and other than being in silver is identical to the standard issue in bronze. Any suggestions as to why? The joy of collecting Imperial Ethiopian awards continues............. Owain