JDM

Photo No 2:

I have just found another photo of No. 2 (Sultan Muhammad) taken about the same period, but not at the same time,

showing him wearing the same Collar as Photo No. 1 with a crowned Collar-Badge. No. 2 photo must have the crown hidden from view.

JDM

Name located for a Pontianak Sultanate Order.

The Bintang Dubus 1819

("Dubus" was the name of a Governor - General of the Dutch East Indies)

PHOTO 1, Sultan Syarif Yusuf (reigned 1872 to 1895) wore a Collar:

This consists of a Collar probably in gold, composed of a Jawi script (Jawi is the Malay term for an Arabic script)

and the Emblem of Palembang - (an upright star & crescent).

The Collar-Badge is a crowned 12-pointed star, set with eight small star & crescent emblems (4 set in the base

of the points & 4 between the points). The central medallion of the Badge has a 5-pointed reversed star (2 points upwards)

& crescent (sideways on the left side of the medallion). A small border is on the outside of the medallion.

The Star cannot se seen on this photo (see below). The Sash, 100mm is probably green (the pavilion of the Coat of Arms

was green, the State colours are golden-yellow & green).

PHOTO 2, The Collar worn by Sultan Syarif Muhammad (reigned 1895 to his execution by the Japanese in 1944) is similar to the one above,

except that the Collar-Badge is without a crown, the B&W photo is not very clear.

A later photo (No. 3) shows Sultan Muhammad wearing 3 Dutch & 1 Surakarta medals (in the usual place) a medal-ribbon hanging from his waist,

3 Stars on his right side, and the Bintang Dubus Star (below the main set of medals - the wrong side upwards), this is similar to the Collar Badge

in Sultan Yusuf's photo, but minus the crown. He also wears 2 Sashes, one over his right shoulder (the green Bintang Dubus Sash) and

another Sash around his waist (Spanish-bandana style) this is a dark colour with a darker stripe nearer the edge & a lighter edge stripe

the width of this is 100mm & about 4/7/78/7/4mm.

Below can be seen a Sash-Badge belonging to the Bintang Dubus. The colours of the diplomatic uniform is dark-blue with orange oak leaves ect.

Another photo (No. 4) of Sultan Muhammad (wearing a fez, with a large golden crown (of 5 arches) attached to the fez), wearing the dark-blue &

orange oak leaf uniform) shows him wearing a Sash under his coat, this looks like being green with a yellow stripe towards the side, a narrow green

stripe near the edge, plus a yellow edge, this Sash looks like being 3/0.5/10.5/72/10.5/0.5/3mm wide.

JDM

The above listed (from Stefan) "Defence Force Order of Merit", is in fact THE ORDER OF THE MUKOROB (for meritorious service in the defence forces),

it is also called "The Military Order".

It is awarded in 6 classes, Grand Commander with Post-Nominals of (G.C.M.), Grand Officer (G.O.M.), Commander (C.M.),

Officer (O.M.), Knight (K.M.), and Member (without Post-Nominals).

It ranks after The Most Excellent Order of the Eagle and before The Most Distinguished Order of Namibia.

Source: "Government Gazette of the Republic of Namibia (No. 1048)" signed into law, by President Sam Nujoma, on 16th March, 1995

and published 17th March, 1995.

The Medal on the right is the Pingat Jubili Perak Pahang 1957

Silver Jubilee Medal of Pahang 1957, (note the perak in this instance = Silver)

The give-away is the image of the late Sultan, Abu Bakar of Pahang

JDM

The actual words on the Badge are as I expected, except the "R" was missed out,

and now should read =

DARJAH KEHORMATAN KESULTANAN NEGERI LANGKAT

The Order of Honour of the Sultanate & State of Langkat

Ribbon approx. 32mm green, yellow, red, white, red, yellow & green (2.5/6/5/5/5/6/2.5mm)

JDM

Notes on Indonesian and Malaysian:

"Darjah" = Order

"Kesultan" should be just Sultan to mean SULTAN

"Kesultanan", i.e. add "Ke" to the word Sultan, and end in "an" = SULTANATE

"Negeri" = State.

So "DARJAH KEHOMATAN KESULTANAN NEGERI LANGKAT" = Order of Honour of the Sultanate & State of Langkat

JDM

James,

The only source of the Surakarta and Palembang Decorations come from their websites.

JDM

James,

The Pontianak, Sambas, Sambaliung, Siak and Langkat Decorations are from the period before these States were abolished,

some of these Decorations can be seen in photos of their former Ruler's on the "ROYAL ARK" website.

JDM

KESULTANAN PONTIANAK - PONTIANAK SULTANATE (W. Borneo)

Pontianak existed from 1771 to 1950, when it was abolished under Sultan Syarif Abdul Hamid II Al-Kadiri, it was restored on 15th January, 2004 under H.M. Sultan Syarif Abubakar Al-Kadiri (born 1944). Pontianak had at least 2 Orders and a Medal ca. 1880.

Bintang Mahkota Pontianak

The Order of the Crown of Pontianak 1880 (Collar, Badge & Breast Star)

100mm Sash, yellow, red, yellow, red, yellow, red, yellow 4/4/4/76/4/4/4mm

Bintang Kesultanan Pontianak

The Order of the Star of Pontianak Sultanate 1880 (Collar, Badge & Breast Star)

100mm Sash, plain black

Medali Pontianak

Pontianak Medal ca. 1880

32mm B/R 3 equal bands of yellow, red & green.

KESULTANAN SAMBAS - SAMBAS SULTANATE (N-W. Borneo)

Sambas existed from 1630 to 1960 when it was abolished under Sultan Muhammad Taufik, it was restored on 15th July 2001 under H.R.H. Pangeran Ratu, Winata Kusuma 2001-2008, he was succeeded by his son H.R.H. Pangeran Ratu, Muhammad Tarhan, 2008-

Bintang Kesultanan Sambas founded before 1900

The Order of Sambas Sultanate

100mm Sash, plain yellow

KESULTANAN SAMBALIUNG - SAMBALIUNG SULTANATE (N-E. Borneo)

When Berau Sultanate split into two, (the other being Gunung Tabur), Sambaliung existed from 1849 to 1960 when it was abolished, it was restored on the 19th October, 2009, under H.R.H. Datu, Fakhruddin (born 1943)

Bintang Sambaliung

The Order of Sambaliung dating from before 1900

50mm Neck-Ribbon, 13 equal alternating stripes of golden-yellow and black

32mm B/R, as above.

KESULTANAN SIAK SRI INDRAPURA - SIAK SRI INDRAPURA SULTANATE (S-E. Sumatra)

Existed from 1723 to 1946, when Sultan Syarif Hamed II, abdicated (died 1968), restored 1st December 2012 under H.M. Sultan Mahmud Syah.

Bintang Kesultanan Siak Sri Indrapura

The Order of Siak Sri Indrapura dating from before 1890's

50mm Neck-Ribbon, yellow, red, yellow, red, yellow, 4/4/34/4/4mm

KESULTANAN LANGKAT - LANGKAT SULTANATE (N-E. Sumatra)

Became a Sultanate in 1887, abolished when Sultan Mahmud Abdul Jalil Rahmat Syah died in 1948, restored 21 May 2003 under H.M. Sultan Azwar Abdul Jalil Rahmat Syah (born 1951).

Bintang Kesultanan Langkat

The Order of Langkat Sultanate founded before 1900

100mm Sash, white, yellow, white, red, white, yellow, white 5/8/5/64/5/8/5mm

50 Neck-Ribbon, colours as above, 2.5/4/2.5/32/2.5/4/2.5mm

NOW THREE CURRENT SASHES

KESULTANAN JAMBI - JAMBI SULTANATE (S-E. Sumatra)

Jambi existed since 1696, from 1858 to 1904 Sultan Taha fought the Dutch in exile, it was abolished in 1906, restored 18th March, 2012, under H.M. Sultan Abdurrahman Taha Syaifuddin Syah

Darjah Sultan Taha Saifuddin Jambi ?

The Order of Sultan Taha Saifuddin of Jambi

100mm Sash, green, yellow, green, yellow, green 1/10/78/10/1mm

KERAJAAN MATAN - MATAN KINGDOM (W. Borneo)

Existed 1837-1948, when it was abolished, restored under a Regency Council in 2009.

Darjah Matan ?

The Order of Matan ? 2010

100mm Sash, red, yellow, dark-blue, yellow, red 5/30/30/30/5mm

KESULTANAN SIMPANG - SIMPANG SULTANATE (W. Borneo)

Restored on 31 May 2010 under H.M. Sultan Muhammad Jamaluddin II.

Darjah Simpang ?

The Order of Simpang 2010

100mm Sash, blue, yellow, red, yellow, blue, 12/32/12/32/12mm

JDM

Other historical and current "Kesultanan, Kerajaan" (Sultanates and Kingdoms) in Indonesia.

KESULTANAN PALEMBANG DARUSSALAM - PALEMBANG SULTANATE (S.E. Sumatra)

Palembang was a Sultanate from 1454 until it was abolished in 1825 by the Dutch. It was restored on 4th March 2003 under H.M. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III.

On the 10th Anniv. of the reign, Orders and Medals were founded, again these were in the Malaysian style with Post-Nominal Letters.

The senior class (Sash) also has a Breast-Medal (all have the same Ribbon, but with a different coloured Badge)

Darjah Kerabat Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III Tertinggi - D.K.T.

The Most Honourable Royal Family Order of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - Special Class 2013

100mm Sash, yellow, red, yellow, green, yellow, red, yellow 25.5/8/3/27/3/8/25.5mm

32mm Breast-Ribbon yellow, red, green, red, yellow, 8.5/5/5/5/8.5mm

Kelas Pertama - D.K.

1st Class, the same Sash and B/R as above.

Kelas Kedua - D.K.II.

2nd Class, the same Sash and B/R as above.

Darjah Kerabat Silaturahmi Kesultanan Palembang Darussalam Yang Amat Dihormati - D.K.S.P.

The Most Honourable Royal Family Order of Palembang Sultanate 2013

32mm Neck-Ribbon, as the 32mm B/R above

Darjah Dato Pengiran Silaturahmi Kesultanan Palembang Darussalam Yang Dihormati - D.S.K.P.

The Honourable Order of Palembang Sultanate 2013

32mm Neck-Ribbon as above

Seri Setia Mangku Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - S.S.M.S.

The Devoted Order of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III 1st Class, 2013

100mm Sash, green, yellow, green, red, green, yellow, green 25.5/8/3/27/3/8/25.5mm

32mm B/R as above.

Darjah Seri Indera Mangku Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - D.S.M.S.

2nd Class, 100mm Sash & 32mm B/R as above

Darjah Indera Mangku Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - D.I.M.S.

3rd Class, 100mm Sash & 32mm B/R as above

Bintang Seri Mangku Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - S.M.S.

4th Class (Star) 32mm Neck-Ribbon as above

Pingat Ahli Mangku Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - A.M.S.

5th Class (Medal), 32mm B/R as above

Seri Setia Paduka Mahkota Palembang - S.P.M.P.

The Faithful Order of the Crown of Palembang 1st Class 2013

100mm Sash, red, yellow, red, green, red, yellow, red, 25.5/8/3/27/3/8/25.5mm

32mm B/R as above

Darjah Paduka Seri Mahkota Palembang - D.S.M.P.

2nd Class (different Sash) green, yellow, green, red, green, yellow, green 25.5/8/3/27/3/8/25.5mm

32mm B/R as above

Darjah Paduka Mahkota Palembang - D.P.M.P.

3rd Class, 100mm Sash & 32mm Ribbon as S.P.M.P. above

Bintang Seri Mahkota Palembang - S.M.P.

4th Class (Star), 32mm Neck-Ribbon as above

Pingat Ahli Mahkota Palembang - A.M.P.

5th Class (Medal), 32mm B/R as above

Jaksa Pendamai Kesultanan Palembang - J.P.

Palembang Sultanate Justice of the Peace 2013

32mm Neck-Ribbon as above

Seri Setia Pangeran Satria Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - S.S.S.M.

The Loyal Order of Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III for Military Service 2013

1st Class, 32mm B/R as above

Darjah Pangeran Wiro Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - D.P.W.M.

2nd Class, 32mm B/R as above

Seri Pangeran Temenggong Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - S.P.T.M.

The Sultan Mahmud Badfaruddin III Order of Prince Temenggong 2013

1st Class, 32mm B/R as above

Darjah Pangeran Temenggong Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin III - D.P.T.M.

2nd Class, 32mm B/R as above

Seri Panglima DiRaja Negeri Palembang Darussalam - S.J.N.

The Royal Order of Palembang State for Service 2013

32mm B/R as above

Panglima Jasa Negeri Palembang Darussalam - P.J.N.

2nd Class, 32mm B/R as above

Bintang Taat Setia - B.T.S.

The Loyal Service Star 2013

32mm B/R as above

Bintang Gagah Berani - B.G.B.

The Bravery Star 2013

32mm B/R as above

Bintang Setia Sultan Palembang - B.S.S.

The Sultan of Palembang Star 2013

32mm B/R as above

Pingat Pekerti Terpilih - P.P.T.

The Distinguished Conduct Medal 2013

Pingat Lama Berkhidmat - P.L.B.

The Medal for Respect 2013

32mm B/R as above

Pingat Jasa Kemasyarakatan - P.J.K.

The Long Service Medal 2013

32mm B/R as above

Pingat Pertabalan Sltan Palembang - P.P.S.

The Sultan of Palembang's Installation Medal 2003 / 2013 ?

32mm B/R as above

Source, Palembang Royal Family website, www.sultanpalembang.com

JDM

KESULTANAN NGAYOGYAKARTA ADININGRAT, in English = YOGYAKARTA SULTANATE (formerly under the Dutch as Djogdjakarta)

A Sultanate since 13th Feb. 1755, it was never abolished by the Republic of Indonesia, in fact the late Sultan proclaimed the republic in 1945,

after that he became Vice-President of the Republic, he died in 1988. Yogyakarta is now under H.M. Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, he succeeded in 1989.

Local language = Javanese.

Bintang Pusaka Kraton Yogyakarta, Founded between 1814 and 1823.

The Royal Order of the Sacred Heirlooms of Yogyakarta Palace 1st Class

A gold and enameled Breast-Star only worn by The Sultan, no known Sash.

2nd Class - details unknown

3rd Class - details unknown

Source, Christopher J Buyers, "ROYAL ARK" website.

JDM

SURAKARTA (also known as Solo), now known locally as Kesusuhunanan Surakarta, under H.M. Paku Buwono XIII, The Susuhunan of Surakarta, since 2004.

H.M. has issued new Orders and Medals in 2004, since then thet have been awarded to officially recognized Sultans and Rajas, and Court Nobles ect.

These Orders have adopted Malaysian names (instead of Javanese) and Post-Nominal Letters, they are as follows:

Some of the Sashes are the same, they seem to have different Badges and Stars.

Awards of Kesusuhunanan Surakarta Adiningrat - Surakarta Adiningrat Sultanate

Darjah Kerabat Tertinggi Kanjeng Pangeran Haryo Adipati - D.K.T.

The Most Supreme Royal Family Order of Prince Haryo - Exalted Class 1893

100mm Sash, blue, golden-yellow, blue 35/30/35mm

Darjah Kerabat Sri Nugroho, Kelas 1 - D.K.S.N.

The Royal Family Order Honour 1st class, 1904 re-organised 1945

100mm Sash, blue, golden-yellow, blue 35/30/35mm

Darjah Kerabat Sri Kabado, Kelas 1 - D.K.S.K.

The Royal Family Order of Sri Kabado 1st class 1945

100mm Sash, blue, golden-yellow, red, golden-yellow, blue 25/15/20/15/25mm

Darjah Kerabat Kanjeng Pangeran Aryo Adipati - D.K.

The Royal Family Order of Prince Aryo - Exalted Class 1893

100mm Sash, blue, golden-yellow, blue 35/30/35mm

Darjah Kerabat Sri Nugroh, Kelas 2 - D.K.S.N.

The Royal Family Order of Honour 2nd class 2004

100mm Sash, equal blue, golden-yellow, blue

Darjah Kerabat Sri Kabado Kelas 2 - D.K.S.K.

The Royal Family Order of Sri Kabado 2nd class 2004

100mm Sash, red, purple, yellow, purple, yellow, purple, red 23/7.5/19/1/19/7.5/23mm

Darjah Seri Setia Kanjeng Haryo - S.K.P.H.

The Distinguished Order of Prince Haryo for services to the Susuhunan 2004

100mm Sash, possibly red, yellow, red 20/60/20mm ?

Darjah Seri Setia Kanjeng Pangeran Aryo - S.K.P.A.

The Distinguished Order of Prince Aryo for meritorious service 1893, re-org. 2004

100mm Sash, yellow, red, blue, red, yellow 27/12/22/12/27mm

Darjah Seri Kanjeng Raden Aryo Kelas 2 - S.K.R.A.

The Distinguished Order of Raden Aryo 2nd class 1893, re-org. 2004

100mm Sash, golden-yellow, red, blue, red, golden-yellow 27/12/22/12/27mm

Darjah Dato' Kanjeng Raden Aryo Tumenggung - D.R.A.T.

The Distinguished Order of Raden Aryo Tumenggung for services to the Royal Palace 1893, re-org. 2004

100mm Sash, green, blue, golden-yellow, blue, green 25/12.5/25/12.5/25mm

Darjah Dato' Kanjeng Raden Tumenggung - D.K.R.T.

The Distinguished Order of Raden Tumenggung for volunteer services 1893 re-org. 2004

100mm Sash, red, blue, red, golden-yellow, red, blue, red 29/4/4/26/4/4/29mm

Bintang Setia Mangku Paku Buwono XIII - S.M.P.

Paku Buwono XIII Star (1st Class) 2004 details unknown

Bintang Gagah Berani - B.G.B.

Star for Bravery 2004 details unknown

Bintang Taat Bakti - B.T.B.

Faithful Duty Star 2004 details unknown

Bintang Ahli Mangku Paku Buwono XIII - A.M.P.

Paku Buwono XIII Star (2nd Class) 2004 details unknown

Pingat Pekerti Terpilih - P.P.T.

Distinguished Conduct Medal 2004 details unknown

Pingat Khidmat Lama - P.K.L.

Long Service Medal for 25 year's service 2004 details unknown

Pingat Gagah Berani - P.G.B.

Medal for Bravery & Courage 2004 details unknown

Pingat Jasa Bakti - P.J.B.

Courageous Service Medal 2004 details unknown

Pingat Pertabahan Sri Susuhunan - P.P.

H.M.'s Installation Medal 2004 details unknown

Surat Kepujian / Penghargaan 2004

Certificate only - no ribbon

Source, Surakarta website, www.rajasurakarta.com

JDM

Thank you Gongz.

I, as I have said, have photos of some of the current Orders, but they are

Samoan Government copyright, I will send them to Megan to put on this site, soon.

I have asked Megan to start an Indonesian section, as I don't see Indonesia, or the Indonesian

Sultanates & Kingdoms, they have lots of Orders and Decorations.

JDM

I am trying to write an article for OMRS, can I use your photos?

In 1995 those Decorations were the only ones awarded, except for the GRAND ORDER OF VAILIMA

which was awarded to H.M. The Queen in 1977, but I suspect this Order was similar to the design

of the ORDER OF TIAFAU, with a similar ribbon, i.e. red/white/blue.

The Vailima was obsolete by 1992, I would suspect that it became obsolete with the change of

government in 1988.

One wonders where these Samoan Decorations were made?

JDM

As we can now see, the Samoan Government contact was not entirely correct when he told me that the current ribbons were used for the now

defunct Western Samoa Awards. The design is the same, the only difference is some of the wording and a different ribbon for the Order of Tiafau.

MERIT ACT OF 1992/3

THE MALIETOA TANUMAFILI II DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER - M.T.II.D.S.O.

A gold disc with the embossed head of H.H. Malietoa Tanumafili II, within a disc, the outer part in the shape of a cross.

The red border has "MALIETOA TANNUMAFILI II" (top) and "DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER" (bottom) in gold lettering.

The Neck-Ribbon is 40mm, in red, white and dark-blue, 16/8/16mm.

THE WESTERN SAMOA ORDER OF TIAFAU - W.S.O.T.

A gold disc with the same flag (with the "Southern Cross" stars in gold), and embossed details as the current Order.

the dark-blue border has "ORDER OF TIAFAU" (top) and "WESTERN SAMOA" (bottom) in gold letters.

The 40mm Neck-Ribbon is red, white and dark-blue, 16/8/16mm.

THE WESTERN SAMOA ORDER OF MERIT - W.S.O.M.

A gold disc divided, with the same details as the current Order of Merit,

The green border has the gold letters "ORDER OF MERIT" (top) and "WESTERN SAMOA" (bottom).

The 40mm Neck-Ribbon is dark-blue white and green, 16/8/16mm.

My thanks to "Gongz" for his photos. I have photos of some of the modern set, but I do not have

permission to publish them, despite asking for permission.

JDM

HONOURS AND AWARDS ACT No. 20 1999, 25th August 1999; & Consolidated Acts of Samoa 2008

All ribbons are in the same colours (as before under Western Samoa) of red, white and dark-blue, but of different widths.

THE GRAND ORDER OF SAMOA (Special Class) - G.O.S.

Poloa'iga Tutasi a Samoa (Tulaga Faapitoa)

This Special Class "shall be the State badge of office, symbolizing the tenure of the highest public office in Samoa"

consists of a Collar, only worn by His Highness, The Head of State. The Collar-Badge is a white disc with a

white enameled five-pointed upright star, edged in red, the central medallion is unclear from the photo, but could

have the Samoan coat of arms on it.

THE ORDER OF SAMOA - POLOA'IGA SILI A SAMOA (no post-nominal letters)

Poloa'iga Sili a Samoa

This is the highest meritorious award which is limited to two living members.

No details are known, but could be a Collar only.

THE ORDER OF SAMOA (First Class) - O.S.

Poloa'iga a Samoa (Tulaga Muamua)

This class "may be conferred on persons who have made an outstanding contrubution to the State and to the people.

life and culture of Samoa on the national or international level" and is limited to 10 living holders.

The Neck-Badge is about 70mm wide, a gold disc charged with an embossed hand and arm, holding a flag-pole

(both in gold) and the National Flag of Samoa in red, white and dark-blue enamel, (the Samoan flag is red, with five

white stars of the Southern Cross on a dark-blue canton), around the edge of the disc is a dark-blue enameled border

edged gold, with the English words "ORDER OF SAMOA" above, and a spray of leaves below, both in gold.

The Neck-Ribbon is 40mm, red, white, dark-blue, 16/8/16mm, there is also a Breast Medal with a 40mm ribbon.

COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF SAMOA (Second Class) - C.O.S.

Pa'aga a le Poloa'iga a Samoa (Tulaga Lua)

This class may be conferred on "persons who have made an outstanding contrubution to the State and to the people,

life and culture of Samoa, on the national or international level; and

"Those persons who are or have been leaders of corporations (whether foreign or domestic), or who are or have been

leaders of foreign states or organisations, in recognition of lengthy and valuable service help and friendship afforded to

Samoa by those corpotations, states or organisations, or by those leaders". This class is limited to 10 living holders.

The Neck-Badge is about 70mm, the ribbon and badge are the same as above, except the border of the badge has

"COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF SAMOA" in gold letters only.

There is also a Breast Medal, the ribbon is the same as above.

THE ORDER OF MERIT - O.M.

Poloa'iga mo Galuega Maoa'e ma le Ta'uleleia

"For rendering outstanding meritorious service for Samoa in the domestic or international spheres, for exceptional

contrubutions towards the advancement of any field of endeavor but with particular emphasis on the arts, learning,

litriture, science and religion which is of benefit directly or indirectly to Samoa", and is limited to 15 living holders.

The Neck-Badge is about 70mm, in gold, it is divided into 3 gold embossed parts, with the coat of arms of Samoa (top)

the Constitution Book (left) and the Torch of Freedom (right). The green enameled border has the gold letters

"ORDER OF MERIT" (above) and "SAMOA" (below).

The 40mm Neck-Ribbon is the same as above, and there is the usual Breast Medal.

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF SAMOA (Third Class) - O.O.S.

Ofisa o le Poloa'iga a Samoa (Tulaga Talu)

"For significant and meritorious contrubutions to Samoa in any field of endeavour domestically and internationally,

and which is of benefit directly or indirectly to Samoa." This class is limited to 15 living holders.

The Neck-Badge is the same as above except the dark-blue border has the gold letters "OFFICER OF THE ORDER

OF SAMOA". The 40mm ribbon and Breast Medal are the same as above.

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF SAMOA (Forth Class) - M.O.S.

Sui o le Poloa'iga a Samoa (Tulaga Fa)

"For meritorious contrubutions in any field of endeavour, domestically and which is of benefit directly or indirectly to Samoa"

The Neck-Badge is similar to the above, except that it has the words "MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF SAMOA", which seem

to be in bronze on the border. Both ribbons are about 35mm, 14/7/14mm.

THE HEAD OF STATE'S SERVICE ORDER - H.S.S.O.

Poloa'iga a le Ao o le Malo mo le Tautua

"There shall be two divisions:

"(a) For Community Service; may be copnferred on persons in recognition of their unique and valuable contrubutions to

their villages, district or township, or for their high achievement in any field of endeavour.

"(b) For Public Service; may be conferred on persons who have made meritorious contrubutions, or given longservice

with exemplary conduct to the Government of Samoa". Limited to 20 living holders.

Details of the Neck-Insignia is unknown. The ribbon is probably 40mm wide as above.

THE HEAD OF STATE'S SERVICE MEDAL - H.S.S.M.

Pine a le Ao o le Malo mo le Tautua

"There shall be two divisions:

"(a) For Community Service; may be granted similar to that of the H.S.S.O. above, who in the opinion of the

Honours Committee have achieved a highly valuable accomplishment in any field of endeavour.

"(b) For Public Service; may be granted similar to that of the H.S.S.O. above, who have provided long

service to Samoa with good conduct". 20 People can be granted this medal in any calendar year.

The details of this medal are unknown. the ribbon is approx. 30mm wide in the same colours as above, 12/6/12mm.

THE MALIETOA CROSS - M.C.

Koluse a Malietoa

"This may be awarded only for acts of the greatest heroism and of supreme bravery in the face of the enemy,

or for some daring and pre-eminent act of valour and self-sacrifice in circumstances of extreme danger".

The gold Neck-Badge (is a disc) charged with a white enamel Maltese cross, the central gold medallion has the

embossed head of His Highness, Malietoa Tanumafili II. A red enamelled border, edged in gold, has the gold letters

"MALIETOA" (above) and "CROSS" (below). The 40mm Neck-Ribbon and Medal are the same as above.

THE SAMOA CROSS - S.C.

Koluse a Samoa

"May be awarded for acts of the greatest valour entailing the display of exceptional courage in circumstances of

extraordinary danger, where there is a total disregard for personal loss of life and limb"

The details of this cross are unknown, but could have the same 40mm ribbon as the M.C. above.

THE SAMOA MEDAL OF HONOUR - S.M.H.

Pine Taualoa a Samoa

"May be awarded for acts of the most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extraordinary danger involving

potential loss of life or limb". Details of this medal are unknown, it could have a 30mm ribbon as above.

THE HEAD OF STATE'S MEDAL OF VALOUR - H.S.M.V.

Pine a le Ao o le Malo mo le Lototoa

"May be awarded for acts of extraordinary courage in circumstances of very great danger"

Details of this medal are unknown, the ribbon could be 30mm as above.

POSTHUMOUS AWARDS

These can be made, except for G.O.S., M.C. and S.C.

Source, as the Merit Act above.

JDM

Western Samoa

THE MERIT ACT 1992/1993

THE MALIETOA TANNUMAFILI II DISTINGUISHED SERVICE ORDER - M.T.II.D.S.O.

Inst. 1993 abolished 1999

40mm Neck Ribbon of red, white and dark-blue, 16/8/16mm

This Order was posthumously awarded 3 times on 1st June 1993 to

His Highness, the Late, Paramount Chief Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole, C.B.E.,

Joint Head of State 1st Jan. 1962 to his death in April 1963.

The Honourable, the Late, Paramount Chief, Mata'afa Fiame Faumuina Mulinu'u II C.B.E.

1st Prime Minister of Western Samoa 1959 to 1970 and 1973 to his death in 1975

The Honourable, the Late Paramount Chief Tuimaleali'ifano Suatipatipa II

The only appointed member of the Council of Deputies 1962 to his death in 1974

THE WESTERN SAMOA ORDER OF TIAFAU - W.S.O.T.

Inst. 1993 abolished 1999

40mm Neck-Ribbon of red, white and dark-blue as above.

This order was awarded on 1st June 1993 to religious leaders, with 2 honorary awards.

THE WESTERN SAMOA ORDER OF MERIT - W.S.O.M.

Inst. 1993 abolished 1999

40mm Neck-Ribbon of red, white and dark-blue, as above.

Source, Kalala Teo, Ministry of The Prime Minister & Cabinet,

Government of Samoa, Apia. 13th March 2014

JDM

MALDIVES:

NATIONAL MERIT MEDAL ranking about 9th, the full sized Ribbon shows the Maldives National Flag,

(green with a white crescent in the center, and a red border), shown sideways, the crescent is

upright. The service Ribbon shows a green ribbon with the white crescent, and red edge stripes.

MALDIVES POLICE MEDALS & RIBBONS:

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE MEDAL for Police

Dark-blue, light-blue, green, white, red plus reverse 1.75/9.25/1.5/1.25/3.5mm plus reverse

GOLD LIFE SAVING MEDAL for Police

Red, dark-blue, red, green, red, white plus reverse 1/1/12.5/1/1mm plus reverse

DEDICATED SERVICE MEDAL for Police

Equal dark-blue, white, light-blue

LONG SERVICE MEDAL for Police

Red, white, green, dark-blue, light-blue, dark-blue, plus reverse 1/1/1/5/5/5/5/5/1/1mm

GOOD SERVICE MEDAL for Police

Green, dark-blue, white, light-blue plus reverse 3.5/3/7/3/7/3/2.5mm

POLICE MEDAL

Light-blue, dark-blue, white plus reverse 2.5/1/11/1/11/1/2.5mm

POLICE SERVICE MEDAL

9 Equal stripes of dark-blue, red, green, light-blue, white plus reverse

TSUNAMI MEDAL for Police

Dark-blue, green, dark-blue, 26 alternating equal stripes of white and dark-blue 11/1/5mm plus 26 stripes

SILVER LIFE SAVING MEDAL for Police

Dark-blue with 2 white central 1mm stripes, set about 1.5mm apart

MALDIVES NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE and POLICE RIBBONS

In possible ranking order.

PRESIDENTIAL RIBBON

For MNDF = yellow, black, green, white, red, black, yellow, 2/2/ 3 equal bands of green, white, red, 2/2mm

For Police = dark-blue, light-blue, green, white, red, light-blue, dark-blue; 2/2/ 3 equal bands of green, white, red, 2/2mm

NATIONAL SECURITY SERVICE RIBBON (MNDF)

3 Equal bands of black, white, black, with a 1mm yellow central stripe

LONG SERVICE RIBBON (MNDF)

About 35mm black, light-blue, dark-blue, medium-blue, black 3/13/3/13/3mm

RIBBON OF SKILL

For MNDF = about 36.5mm red, white, medium-blue, white, light-blue, white, yellow, and reverse 2/4/3/4/3/1.5/1.5 and reverse

For Police = red, dark-blue, white, dark-blue, red 11/4.5/5/4.5/11mm

DEDICATED SERVICE RIBBON

For MNDF = about 37.5mm black, yellow, dark-blue, white, dark-blue, yellow, black 6/6/5/3.5/5/6/6mm

For Police = about 31mm dark-blue, cream, dark-blue. cream, dark-blue 2/10/17/10/2mm

RIBBON OF BRAVERY

For MNDF = about 38mm black, medium-blue, light-blue, medium-blue, black 4/10/10/10/4mm

For Police = about 36mm dark-blue, white, dark-blue, white, dark-blue 1/2/30/2/1mm

POLICE SERVICE RIBBON

5 Equal stripes of light-blue, dark-blue, white, dark-blue, light-blue

SPECIAL DUTY RIBBON

For MNDF = about 37mm light-blue, white, red, white, light-blue 8/3/15/3/8mm

For Police = about 35mm dark-blue, light-blue, red, white, green, light-blue, dark-blue 5.5/7.5/3/3/3/7.5/5.5mm

ACHIEVEMENT RIBBON

For MNDF = 3 equal bands of red, yellow, red

For Police = about 36mm red, white, red 16/4/16mm

MARKMANSHIP RIBBON (for Police)

About 37mm grey, red, darkish-blue, red, grey 5/5/17/5/5mm

GOOD CONDUCT RIBBON

For MNDF = 3 equal bands of yellow, black, yellow

For Police = 3 equal bands of light-blue, dark-blue, light-blue

POLICE RIBBON OF DRILL

About 31mm dark-blue ribbon with 2 white side stripes, 6 white central stripes & in the middle is a red stripe

1/1/1/1/3/2/1/2/1/2/1 plus reverse.

JDM

Identification of 2 photos of Police Medal Ribbons;

TOP Smaller photo "Maldives Police" = 9 Ribbons

ASST. COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

1. Police Good Conduct Medal

2. unknown

3. Police Medal

4. unknown, dark & light blue leaf pattern

5. unknown, checquered dark & light blue

6. Police Ribbon of Bravery

7. Police Service Ribbon

8. unknown

9. Police Special Duty Ribbon

LOWER larger photo "Maldives Police Medals" = 11 Ribbons

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

1. Police Distinguished Service Medal

2. Police Good Conduct Medal

3. Police Medal

4. unknown, dark & light blue leaf pattern

5. unknown, chequered dark & light blue

6. Police Ribbon of Bravery

7. Police Service Ribbon

8. unknown

9. Police Special Duty Ribbon

10. Police Achievement Ribbon

11. unknown, chevron pattern

JDM

Under the 2008 Constitution the following Decorations are awarded, (which now once again use Post-Nominal Letters,

as confirmed in the "International Year Book and Statesmen's Who's Who"). There seems to have been different Ribbons

to some of these Orders, the late King wore a Sash -the photo is in B&W -, and could be red with white edges, or white with red edges.

1. NISHAAN GHAAZEEGE IZZAIYTHERI VERIYA - N.G.I.V.

The Most Honourable Order of the Distinguished Rule of Ghazi

Instuted as an Order under the Constitutions of 1964, 1968, 1997, 2008

This is the senior order or decoration, it is presented with a Collar, and a Medal, it is not known if there is a Sash,

there was a Sash during the kingdom period..

This Order was founded in 1964 (under the 1964-68 Constitution) when the Maldives Sultanate became a Kingdom under

H.M. King Farid I (or as sometimes named King Muhammad Farid I, Didi) 1965 - deposed, 11 November 1968.

It has only been awarded three times, firstly to the then Prime Minister (later President of the 2nd Republic 11 Nov.1968-11 Nov. 1978)

Amir Ibrahim Nasir Kilegefan N.G.I.V., on 9th February 1967, it was secondly awarded to H.M. Queen Elizabeth II (in medal-form),

on 15th March 1972, and thirdly it was awarded to ex-President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom on 17th July 2013, Maldives President 11 Nov. 1978-11 Nov. 2008.

2. NISHAAN IZZUDDEEN IZZATHUGE VERIKAN - N.I.I.V.

The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddeen

Inst., as the 2nd Class under the Order of Ghazi in 1964 & an Order under the Constitutions of 1968, 1997, 2008

This, the 2nd senior Order comes with a Collar and medal as far as is known,

it was awarded to HRH Prince Philip on 15th March 1972..

3. NISHAAN ASKAREE SHARAFGE VERIKAN - N.A.S.V.

The Order of the Distinguished Army

Inst., as a Medal in 1964, as an Order in 1968, 1997, 2008

4. NISHAAN MULEEGE SHARAFGE ISSAIY - N.M.S.I.

The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Majeedy

Inst., as the 5th Class under the Ghazi Order in 1964, and an Order in 1968, 1997, 2008

It seems that there is also a Collar and a medal

Medal Ribbon = looks like being about 34mm,

green 4mm, yellow 4mm, white 2mm, blue 3mm, white 2mm, red 4mm plus reverse.

5. NISHAAN SHAHEED ALI IZZAIY VERIKAN - N.S.A.I.V.

The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Shahid Ali

Inst., as 3rd Class under the Ghazi Order in 1964, as an Order in 1968, 1997, 2008

6. NISHAAN ISKANDAR SHARAFGE VERIKAN - N.I.S.V.

The Order of the Distinguished Rule of Iskandar

Inst., as 4th Class under the Ghazi Order, and as an Order in 1968, 1997, 2008

The Maldives have a large collection of Medals, under the Maldives National Defence Force (M.N.D.F.)

(covering the Army, Coast Guard, Special Forces, Military Police, Marine Corps ect.).

The Police have medals, the Prisons, Fire & Rescue Service also could have medals,

but there is no known Air Force. The ribbons have changed several times during each constitution.

Medal of Honour (Sharafu Medalge) for the MNDF & Police

Presidental Medal for MNDF & Police

National Merit Medal

also known as the Order of National Merit, Ribbon, red edges, white crescent on a broad green band

Defence Forces Service Medal for MNDF

Police Service Medal (Sifain Khidumaiy Medalge)

Distinguished Service Medal for MNDF & Police

Good Service Medal for MNDF & Police (Ran'galhu Khidhumaiy Medalge)

Medal for Exceptional Bravery in gold (Huravee Ran Medalge) - H.R.M.

Note "Ran" means Gold in Dhivehi (Maldives language).

Medal of Bravery for MNDF & Police (Huravee Medalge)

The 3rd November Medal ca. 1988

(Commemorates the failed Coup by Sri Lankan Rebels in 1988)

Purple Heart for wounds in combat (MNDF & Police) ca. 1988

Gold Life Saving Medal (Halaakunuvaaneygothakah Ran Medalge) 1996

Silver Life Saving Medal (Halaakunuvaaneygothakah Rihi Medalge) 1996

Long Service Medal (Dhigu Khidhumaiy Medalge) (MNDF & Police) 1996

Dedicated Service Medal 1996

Good Conduct Medal (Ran'galhu Akhulaagu Medalge) 1996

Police Medal (Sifain Medalge) 1996

Tsunami Medal (Tsunami Medalge) 2005

Centennary Medal (Sattha Medalge) 1992

Presidental Ribbon 1996

Long Service Ribbon (Dhigu Khidhumaiy Riban)

Ribbon of Bravery (Huravee Riban) 1996

Dedicated Service Ribbon 1996

Police Service Ribbon (Sifain Khidhumaiy Riban) 1996

Good Conduct Ribbon (Ran'galhu Akhulaagu Riban) 1996

Special Duty Ribbon (Khaassa Vaajibu Riban) 1996

Achievement Ribbon 1996

Ribbon of Skill (Hunaru Riban) 1996

Ribbon of Drill 1996

The medal translations are mine from a Dhivehi Dictionary, which may not be the official translation.

JDM.

Many thanks Emmanuel, I did not know about the 2 Perlis Medals, (Syed Putra's & the 10th Anniv. of the present reign).

The other medal we have as the 12th King's Installation Medal in 2002 (so this is wrong).

Do you have any photos of the Installation Medals of the Kings of Malaysia ?

I think they began with the 4th King or 5th King?

A lot of your photos of ribbons can now be allocated to some of the unknown ribbons.

JDM

D.Y.M.M. Tuanku Ibrahim Ismail, Sultan of Johore (Johor in Binhasa Malaysia)

The list of 24 full sized medals & ribbons are as follows (some are out-of-place)

:

1. P.I.S. (Pingat Ibrahim Johor - or The Sultan Ibrahim Medal of Johore)

2. 8th King's Installation Medal (The Sultan of johore) 1984

3. Johore Coronation Medal 1982

4. Terengganu Coronation Medal 1980

5. Selangor Silver Jubilee Medal 1985

6. Perak Installation Medal 1985

7. Terengganu Coronation Medal 1970

8. Selangor Coronation Medal 2001

9. 12th King's Installation Medal 2001

10. Unknown (the 1st star shaped medal)

11. 11th King's Installation Medal 1999

12. Unknown (the 2nd star shaped medal)

13. Unknown, (ribbon = yellow with a green stripe near the edge)

14. Unknown

15. Unknown

16. Unknown

17. Unknown (ribbon ending with blue, white. blue & yellow)

18. Unknown (ribbon ending in red)

19. Unknown (ribbon ending in red, white, yellow & white)

20. Kelantan Silver Jubilee Medal 2004

21. 13th King's Installation Medal 2007

22. Kedah Golden Jubilee Medal ? 2008

(ribbon, yellow, with, near the edges, a black (outer), yellow (centre) & red (inner) stripes)

23. Perak Silver Jubilee Medal 1985

24. Negeri Sembilan Installation Medal 2009.

I have searched all over the internet but could not find a photo of the ribbon for Kedah Golden Jubilee Medal 2008

Photos are available if you can e-mail me I will attach the Medals & Ribbons (as above).

JDM

D.Y.M.M. (H.R.H.) The new Sultan of Johore (Tunku Ibrahim Ismail) is seen wearing a group of 24 full sized medals and also a photo of him with a Ribbon

Bar of 26 Ribbons.

The Ribbon Bar has 7 rows showing the following:

1st Row (of 3): 1. D.K., 2. unknown, 3. S.P.M.J.

2nd Row (of 3): 1. S.S.I.J., 2. unknown, 3. S.P.M.T.(Terengganu)

3rd Row (of 4): 1. S.P.M.K. (Kelantan), 2. 3, 4, all unknown.

4th Row (of 4): 1. unknown, 2. Selangor Silver Jubilee Medal 1985, 3 & 4 unknown

5th Row (of 4): All 4 unknown

6th Row (of 4): 1. 11th King's Installation, 2. unknown, 3. Selangor Coronation 2001, 4. unknown

7th Row (of 4) 1. unknown, 2. S.P.S.K. (Kelantan), 3 & 4 unknown

The 24 Full size Medals with ribbons, (some are out of place), these will come later.

JDM

For those of you who are intrested, The Installation Medal Ribbon of the 14th King of Malaysia (The Sultan of Kedah) on 11th April, 2012 is golden-yellow with 4x2mm edge stripes of blue/red/white/dark-green. The width of the ribbon is not known, but could be approx. 33mm.

Regards the S.S.I.J. (Darjah Sultan Ismail Johor Yang Amat Di-Bakti - The Most Blessed Order of Loyalty to Sultan Ismail of Johore, 1st Class, -photo above), I have a drawing of it in a Government publication, (together with the D.K. (Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat DiHormati - The Most Esteemed Royal Family Order) and the S.P.M.J. (Darjah Mahkota Johor Yang Amat Mulia - The Most Honourable Order of the Crown of Johore).

The new Sultan of Johore (D.Y.M.M. Sultan Tunku Ibrahim Ismail, D.K., D.K. (Pahang), D.K. (N.S.), D.K. (Terengganu), S.P.M.J., S.S.I.J., S.P.D.K., S.M.N., S.P.M.T., S.P.M.K., P.I.S.) is mostly shown wearing the S.S.I.J.

If anyone is intrested I have a complete list of Federal Malaysia & Malaysian States Orders, in Malay & English with their Ribbons.

The Insignia can be seen on the Royal Ark website of Christopher Buyers.

JDM

Tonga update:

The Royal Household Order now known as:

The Most Devoted Royal Household Order of Tonga, Inst. 2009

in 5 classes (GC, GO, Comdr., Officer, Member, plus 3 Assoc. Medals in gold, silver & copper).

Since H.M. King Tupou VI came to power, he has not been seen in a military uniform, this is unique, as all the other kings of Tonga wore military uniforms.

There is still no word as to when his coronation will take place.

H.M. Queen Elizabeth II has been seen (in a colour photo) wearing the Most Illustrated Order of Queen Salote Tupou III, (presented by the late King George Tupou V).

JDM