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Jan, I paid some £2,000 for a 4th class about 5 years go! Owain

Hi Jan, Looks - good - a Lattes made piece - I can see a hallmarks just below 3 o'clock but cannot read the date letter. I suspect this dates from the 1920's. I would suggest that a price from $2,500 to $3,000 would be good for the buyer, however the seller may want more! Owain

Hi, I think that if these were 'original' the Special Constabulary medal would be last. Owain

Gentlemen & Ladies, I am pleased, at long last, to announce the publication of my book. I hope that it will be a useful reference for this order. Hardback, A4 size, 210 pages, over 300 of illustrations. Kind regards, Owain

Gentlemen & Ladies, I am pleased, at long last, to announce the publication of my book. I hope that it will be a useful reference for such awards. Softback, A3 size, 36 pages, full of illustrations - based upon my 2022 OMRS Convention exhibit. Kind regards, Owain AI Somalia - The awards of a fallen state - Owain Raw-Rees.pdf

Thank you Megan, Rusty & Chris. One word of caution - if you order the book please ensure that the seller wraps it well - mine arrived in a covering of cling film within its courier's plastic bag - the spine of the book had been damaged by dropping - adequate padding/packaging would have avoided this. As to the price $150 - yes, expensive, plus an extra $50 for shipping thus $200! I would have preferred cheaper and no doubt there is a mark up on both, but no sight of any other source............Owain

Gentlemen, Further to receipt of a copy of the book I detail below a review. Owain Encyclopedia of Egyptian Protocol: Collars, Orders, & Medals, 1914-1953 Eng. Mandy Hanafi, 2023 - ISBN: 918-977-94-4509-0 (Publisher - Friends Group for Philately and Numismatics, Cairo) Authoritative books on the awards of Egypt are scarce and until this book was published the only other references were the bilingual, Arabic and French ‘Protocol of the Kingdom of Egypt, Office of the Grand Chamberlain’, Government Publishing Service, Cairo, 1947 and the more recent Arabic language only, ‘Encyclopedia of Egyptian Necklaces, Badges and Orders, Sashes and Medals’ 2015, by Police Major General Sameh Abdulrahman Al-Laqani. Hanafi’s book is a most welcome addition to the library of Egyptian awards. This large format, softback 400 plus page book, is in Arabic and English and is extensively illustrated. Whilst not containing a list of contents – such are referred to in an index, the chapters are as follows: · Chapter 1 The Emergence and Development of Decorations in Egypt, pages 17-79, being a historical resume from ancient times to the abolition of the monarchy in 1953, including definitions of terms. · Chapter 2 – A detailed listing of all awards, pages 81-274, including instituting laws and multiple illustrations and explanatory narratives, pages 81-274. The Arabic laws are detailed in full whilst the English translations are resumes. The illustrated breakdowns of the constituent parts of each award and detailed translation of medallic inscriptions is excellent. · Chapter 3 A miscellaneous chapter, pages 277-409, containing details of the Royal Divan or Court; Banners; Decree; Palace Protocol; Military & Civil ranks; Military & Civilian uniforms; the Manufacture and manufacturers of awards; Varieties of Arabic script (calligraphy); Calligraphers; Monograms; Chamberlain & Court Badges of Office; Royal wedding badges, Certificates; Hallmarks; Judicial, Senate and House of Representatives badges. Such a book is to be recommended to all who have an interest in the awards of the Kingdom and the author’s attention to detail is to be commended. Whilst having some experience in the study of Egyptian awards there was much that was new to me and some key takeaways included the distinction between the awards of the Sultanate of Egypt and the Kingdom of Egypt – the change in design of the Medals of Duty and Merit; the varieties of the 1948 Palestine War Medal and the institution by 1953 Royal Decree of the Order of the Star of Liberation and the Medal of the Star of Liberation. Some constructive suggestions for a future edition would include a request that it be published in hardback with a formal contents page. The English text whilst currently more than adequate would benefit from being reviewed by a native English speaker. Such an edition would also benefit from expansion to include further details concerning the awards of the Khedivate – especially the 1892 Khedive Abbas Hilmi Accession Medal and the 1913 Abbas Hilmi Bravery Medal. Further awards, which admittedly are not government awards could include - Fuad I Ambulance Union Medal, 1933 Commemorative Medal for the 50th Anniversary of the National Court, 1937 Farouk Coronation Medal, 1945 Mosquito Eradication Medal, 1947 Cholera Epidemic Medal and Royal Red Crescent Society Medal. All in all the book is a wealth of information with excellent illustrations and photographs. The author is to be congratulated on his research. I would again recommend the book to all who have an interest in the Kingdom of Egypt.

Gentlemen, I attach an image of the full size fifth miniature - any ideas as to what it is? Is there any way to identfy F. Kister? Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, A recent acquisition from the interwar period. Not the most exciting of groups but I was drawn to it as the medal of Honour is named and dated "F. KISTER 1922". Is there a means of identifying this man? I detail some of my notes below: · Ordre du Mérite Sociale - Officer, 2nd Class of the Order of Social Merit The Order, in three grades, was instituted on 25th October 1936, administered by the Minister of Labour, and acknowledged those who had rendered disinterested services to works or institutions covered by legislation on mutuality, welfare and social insurance. The qualifying periods were as follows - Knight (minimum age of 32 years) – five years of service, Officer – a minimum of eight years in the rank of Knight and Commander a minimum of five years in the rank of Officer. The Order along with many others was replaced by the National Order of Merit on 3 December 1963. · Médaille d’Honneur du Ministère du Commerce et de l’Industrie - The Medal of Honor of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (2nd Type) The medal, in four grades, was instituted on 16th July 1886. It was a labor medal which initially had four levels and rewarded continuous service within an establishment - Bronze 30 years, Silver 40 years, Gilt 50 years and Gold 60 year. Individuals working in an overseas territory benefited from a reduction in seniority of 10 years. The medal could also be awarded those who rendered exceptional service to industry, in particular new manufacturing processes, without the length of service conditions. In 1893 the award was limited to that of a Silver Medal only and for service of 30 years in France or 20 years in Algeria. In 1913 the Gilt Medal was reintroduced for service of 50 years in France or 40 years in Algeria. The scope of service included employment in industrial and commercial establishments, public or private technical education establishments, museums and national palaces, state factories, chambers of commerce, municipal and departmental establishments. This award ceased with the institution on 15th May 1948 of the Medal of Honor for Labor. · Médaille d’Honneur de la Ministere du Travail et de la Prevoyance Sociale – 1st Class Medal of Honour of the Ministry of Labour and Social Providence This three class award was instituted by the Decrees of 26th and 30th March, 1852 as the “Médaille des Sociétés de Secours Mutuels” (Medal of the Societies of Mutual Assistance). It was that it was authorised for public wear as the “Médaille d' Honneur de la Mutualité” (Medal of Honour of Mutuality) by a Decree of 1st April, 1898. The medal recognises exceptional service by the officials and members of such societies which in the period before government support for the unemployed and sick, these societies were of great importance in alleviating dire hardship. Over the years there have been various types of this Medal. · Médaille d’Honneur de l’Éducation Physique - Medal of Honor for Physical Education The medal, in three grades, was established on 4th May 1929 to reward service rendered in physical education, sports and preparation for military service. In 1946 the award was replaced by the Medal of Physical Education and Sports which recognised service as follows - Bronze medal 8 years, Silver medal 13 years and the Gold medal 16 years. This medal was in turn replaced in 1956 by the Medal of Honor for Youth and Sports (one class) and the Order of Sports Merit (3 classes). With the institution of the Order of Sports Merit was established, holders of the Physical Education and Sports Medal were reclassified as follows - Bronze Medal - the Medal of Honor for Youth and Sports; Silver Medal - Knight of Sports Merit and Gold Medal - Officer of Sports Merit. The Order along with many others was replaced by the National Order of Merit on 3 December 1963. · Médaille Civile – Civil Medal (Is this French or Swiss?) Obverse – an eight-sided medal bearing upon a radiant background various items symbolic of society: a flag – patriotism, cross – medicine (or Switzerland?), branches – nature, masks – art, lyre - music, pen, ink pot and a book – literature, microscope – science, toothed wheel – industry and a dumbbell – sport. On the left and right upper rim of the medal the inscription “Medaille Civile” (Civil Medal). The circumstances of the institution and award of this medal are unknown.

Gentlemen, Whilst searching the Museum of Freemasonry website for something else I came across a selection of RAOB jewels for Provincial Grand Lodge of Egypt Egypt presented to Bro. J. Jarvis. Only the obverse of the jewels were shown. It would appear he was a member of the RAOB Sphinx Lodge as well as being a member of the Provincial Grand Lodge. Owain.

Well done - good research, Owain

Gordon, McClenaghan notes these two medals but no images - he had only seen references to it - he illustrates the ribbons. Owain

Rusty, Thank you for sharing this image. I agree that it doesn't look right. Of course a hands on viewing would be ideal but with such badges, and indeed all collectors items, a cautious approach is recommended. Whilst the image of the reverse may pass muster, the obverse image depicts a less than perfect example of the badge. Caveat emptor. Owain

Good morning, The 4th Edition of Tinson's book, 2010, refers t this order, 3 classes, as the Sultan's laudatory Order. Instituted in July 2007 after Cyclone Gonu hit Oman. It was first awarded to those who had shown 'extreme dedication' during the post Gonu operations. Owain

Gentlemen, From a display of the awards of King Farouk, and his collection of awards, at the Abdine Palace in Cairo - a picture of the certificate of Honorary Membership of the German Hunters Reichsbund presented by or on behalf of Goring in his status as the Reich's Huntmaster, and dated 18 June, 1938. Please correct me if my translating is incorrect. Kind regards & happy new year to all, Owain

Emanuel, Well said & thank you for sharing these images of the Hyderabad awards. Happy new year to one and all. Owain

Gentlemen, From a very large group / lot of assorted RAOB medals an OBA (I think Overseas Buffalo Association) with the medallion in the shape of a leaf bearing the word 'IRAQ'. Sadly the lowermost inscription is unclear. Ditto the hallmarks on the reverse. The colours of the ribbon may allude to the flag the Kingdom of Iraq. Further to sight of a a generic RAOB OBA jewel the lower inscription is 'PER ORBEM COLO' (Around the World). Regards, Owain

Gentlemen, I would beg to disagree. No book is perfect but in this instance at least there is a book from which to work with. In this regard IPM is well worth buying - for a serious collector it is a useful springboard into the morass of such awards. Unless and until another edition or another book is published then IPM is a good source. I am sure that the author would acknowledge it is not perfect but as with all research you can only publish what you have. I know that in my own research I have published errors but these have been pointed out to me and thereby our knowledge grows. Kind regards, Owain PS I have a modest collection of Bahawalpur medals and I am sure that some may be of dubious ancestry!

Rusty, The tarnishing/oxidisation really does make a mess of this example. Owain

Rusty, Always good to see such beautiful pieces. Keep up the good work! Owain

Gentlemen, Further to my opening post of May 2020 where I illustrated a jewel from the Province of Palestine I can now illustrate the successor to this jewel - the Province of Jordan. The same design but with the word Palestine replaced by Jordan. I would infer by the change that the former is pre-1948 and the latter post 1948. Obverse - Province of Palestine Reverse - D.C. Commins, Initiated 16/5/56 The manufacturer is - Fattorini & Sons Ltd., Bradford Works, Birmingham Kind regards, Owain

Michael, Great research - even a modest set of medals has a good story. Three different monarchs between the issue of her two medals. Owain

They look great - well done - enjoy the day. Owain

Gentlemen, A new addition to the series - this time an image from a manufacturer's (F.C.Parry) trade brochure of RAOB Regalia. (F.C. Parry were founded in 1937 and in 2013 the company was purchased by the RAOB.) The images is of the 'Pride of Libya' lodge - the lodge number is unclear but may be No. 8935. No reverse image. The ribbon is of the colours of the flag of the Kingdom of Libya - red, black and green. The bade of the jewel is an interesting mix of a cross bearing a crescent and star. Regards, Owain

Dear Guest Abbasi, Welcome and I hope you find these post of interest. Some years ago I had the good fortune to obtain the illustrated set of forty-one ribbons of British and Bahawalpur mounted in nine rows. Accompanying the ribbons was a letter which noted, “Nawab Salahuddin Abbasi ‘gifted’ me this item at an audience at the Darbar Mahal outside of Bahawalpur city, telling me that it belonged to his granddad, General Nawab Sadeq Muhamad Khan V” . The ribbons are detailed below. I believe that this is a representative set and I have no evidence of it being worn. There are some anomalies, for example no British orders (Victorian, Indian Empire & Star of India); the Nawab was too young to serve and qualify for the British Great War trio of medals; the Nawab was at Aitchison College and thus did not qualify for the India General Service Medal (I need sight of a medal roll to confirm this); ditto the General Service Medal; the WW2 Defence Medal and the WW2 India Service medal were mutually exclusive, i.e. you could not get both, and there are other anomalies. However the ribbons are an impressive compilation and may well have been put together by a military tailor as a representative selection. Owain · Row 1 – Bahawalpur – Orders of Sutlej, Abbasia & Haroonia · Row 2 – Bahawalpur – Order of Huzoori, War Efficiency Decoration, UK – 1914-15 Star & 1914-18 War Medal · Row 3 – UK – 1914-18 Victory Medal, 1908-35 India General Service Medal, 1918-62 General Service Medal, 1939-45 Star · Row 4 – UK – Africa Star, Pacific Star, Burma Star, Italy Star, 1939-45 Defence Medal · Row 5 – UK – 1939-45 War Medal, 1939-45 India Service Medal, 1911 Delhi Durbar Medal, 1935 Jubilee Medal & 1937 Coronation Medal · Row 6 – UK – 1953 Coronation Medal 1953, Pakistan – 1947 Independence Medal, 1956 Republic Medal, Bahawalpur – 1914-18 Great War Star, 1919 North West Frontier Medal · Row 7 – Bahawalpur – 1930-31 Kot Sabzal Campaign Medal, 1939-45 Second Great War Medal, 1939-45 Victory Star, 1924 Installation Medal, 1933 British-Bahawalpur Alliance Centenary Medal · Row 8 – Bahawalpur – 1931 Installation Silver Jubilee Medal, 1947 Independence Medal, 1947 Bahawalpur Pakistan Alliance Medal, 1956 Installation Golden Jubilee Medal & 1885 State Award (??) · Row 9 – Military General Service Medal, Military Long Service Medal, Good Service Medal, Military Good Conduct Medal & 1935 Pilgrimage Medal