oamotme

Gentlemen,

An finally today two oddities:

1. A jewel for Shamal Lodge No.9948 which consists of a mounted silver Saudi riyal coin. The obverse reads, "Abulaziz Bin Abdulrahman Al Saud King of Saudi Arabia". The reverse reads, "One Saudi Arabia Riyal Struck at Mecca Al Mukarama 1270". The date equates to 1950/51. The 30mm diameter coin is 11.6 gms of 91.7% silver and was actually struck in the USA not Mecca! See also images in my posts of 8 July 2020 and 31 May 2023.
2. A jewel ribbon and suspension only for the Golden Gulf No. 9683 Lodge - see my post of 8 July 2020 for an image of the jewel pendant, where I infer from the design that the Lodge was based on a British Aerospace compound in Dharhan, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia.

Kind regards,

Owain

Gentlemen,

Today a 'new' RAOB jewel - gilded base metal, for Tabuk Shifting Sands Lodge No. 9962.

Tabuk is in the north west of Saudi Arabia and is the home of a British Aerospace base.

The obverse Arabic reads, "Tabuk Sands Shifting 9962" - the Arabic is a direct transliteration of shifting sands into Arabic script. The design is that of a sand devil on the sands of Arabia. The reverse bears the makers mark, "Parry B'ham". 

Owain

Gentlemen,

Now for two generic Lodge jewels featured before however these are better examples:

1. An 'OURS' jewel - some manner of charity jewel but specific meaning unknown. The reverse is engraved, "Shifting Sands Lodge N.9962", with the makers mark, "Parry B'ham".
2. An Overseas Buffaloes Association jewel with reverse bearing the makers mark, "Parry B'ham".

Owain

Gentlemen

Further to my post of 11 January 2023 I have obtained two examples of the Sands of Arabia Lodge No. 9963 with their ribbons and suspension  - one is silver gilt and the other gilded base medal. As noted previously - Arabian numerals have been used. The obverse bears a crescent, palm tree and crossed swords and I have inferred that this lodge was (is?) based in Saudi Arabia - no doubt on on of the British aerospace bases. I suspect the 'pillar' to the right of the central disc is representative of a 'sand devil' or small whirlwind often seen in Saudi. The reverse markings are as follows:

• Silver gilt - FCP Birmingham silver, date letter 'E' for 1979
• Gilded base metal - Parry B'ham

Owain

Gentlemen,

Thais time a group of four medals to Harry Yard:

Generic RAOB medal in silver:

• Obverse - "Nemo Mortalium Omnibus Horis Sapit" (No man is at all times wise)
• Reverse - "Presented to Bro. H. Yard by The Ninak Lge No. 5201 for Services Rendered". The hallmarks are for a silver piece made by the Birmingham company "C&Co" (Cashmore & Company) with a date letter 'E' for 1929.
• Suspension - "Ninak Lge No 5201"  

Generic RAOB medal in silver:

• Obverse - "GLE" (Grand Lodge of England), "Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffaloes" & "Unity Liberty Charity"
• Reverse - "Presented to Bro. H. Yard by The Garden of Eden Lodge No. 3579". The hallmarks are for a silver piece made by the Birmingham company "C&Co" (Cashmore & Company) with date letter 'C' for 1927.

Generic RAOB Iraq medal in gilded base metal

• Obverse - "Royal Antedeluvian Order of Buffaloes / S.T.B. / Iraq" (I am unaware as to what STB stands for)
• Reverse - "Bro. Harry Yard / Member Of The / R.A.O.B., G.L.E. / In Iraq" & the London maker's name,  "L. Simpson & Co. / 56 York Road / King's Cross N1"

Generic RAOB Egypt medal in gilded base metal

• Obverse - "Justice Truth & Philanthropy" & "GLE" (Grand Lodge of England).
• Reverse -  "Member of the Province of Egypt Bro. H. Yard", and the makers mark, "Fattorini & Sons Bradford".
• Suspension - "Egypt" 

All four pieces I would suggest, are from the 1920's when Harry Yard was serving with the RAF in Iraq and Egypt.

Regards,

Owain 

Gro,

The obverse {with military personnel - navy, army, air force} reads, 'October 1955'.

I cannot read the designer/maker name - too small.

The revers reads 'Armament Week'.

The obverse figures are very similar in design/format to the figures on the 1948 War Medal.

Owain

Hi, The central cartouche has twisted out of true but I think is is of the Bey Mohammed Sadok ruled 1859-82. Owain

Gentlemen,

To add to this thread I illustrate the awards of  Sorabjee Pallonjee Patel - a prominent business man in Aden and of the family which established in 1864 the company Pallonjee Dinshaw & Co. By 1937 the company was owned Sorabjee. He was a member of the Aden Chamber of Commerce and also a member of the Aden Felix Lodge No. 355. His Indian Title Badge - Khan Sahib - was gazetted on 5 June 1920. He was engaged in some manner in the defence of Aden during WW2 and earned the Defence Medal. (In the UK Home Guard Service of 2 years 9 months to qualify for the medal.) His MBE Civil was gazetted 2 June 1962, ‘For Public Services in Aden’. The device on the ribbon of the Defence Medal is a tie pin that came with the group - I believe the symbol is the Hindu sacred 'Om'.

Regards,

Owain

Gentlemen,

It seems that there is some value to these jewels. Recently a jewel for the Trucial Oman Aero Trucial Lodge No. 9147 was sold on EBay for £770 - too rich for me. I did illustrate this badge back in 2020 but now am able to show the obverse and reverse of the recently sold badge. It is one of the more colourful and well designed badges and I am presuming that it relates to a lodge whose members were mostly, if not all, RAF personnel based in Sharjah during the period before the independence of the United Arab Emirates in December 1971.

The hallmarks indicate that the badge is of silver struck in Birmingham by FC Parry in 1965 (date letter 'q').

Regards,

Owain

Gentlemen,

This Order was instituted in 1949 and became obsolete in 1958. The Order was made by Garrard & Co. of London.

La Galerie Numismatique has one for auction in their 20-21 April sale with an estimate of Euro100,000-Euro150,000 + 35%fees.

The set offered is a modern construct and does not quite follow the design of the original - the lack of a crown on the star and the different suspension on the badge and other discrepancies.

The set also bears what appears to be a cast Spink back plate - the website images are not clear. Spink did not manufacture the Order of King Faisal.

It is a very scarce award - in almost 40 years of collecting I have never seen one for sale. I have seen a real one on display in the King Feisal Foundation in Riyadh - a display of the awards of the late King Feisal of Saudi Arabia. There is also one in the Royal Collection at Windsor Castle - awarded to Prince Phillip but it is not on display.

Caveat emptor,

Owain

Rusty,

I note from the March 2024 issue of the OMRS Journal that Magdy has joined the society.

Owain

Well done - I agree with you that it is a beautiful award - both in design and manufacture - congratulations. Owain

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 50^th 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, 2^nd Class of the Order of Social Merit

The Order, in three grades, was instituted on 25^th 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 (2^nd Type)

The medal, in four grades, was instituted on 16^th 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 15^th May 1948 of the Medal of Honor for Labor.

·         Médaille d’Honneur de la Ministere du Travail et de la Prevoyance Sociale – 1^st Class Medal of Honour of the Ministry of Labour and Social Providence

 This three class award was instituted by the Decrees of 26^th and 30^th 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 1^st 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 4^th 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