Brunei: The Most Distinguished Order of Merit of Brunei

[Megan]

Darjah Paduka Sri Laila Jasa Yang Amat Berjasa

Instituted February 1964 by Sultan Muda Haji 'Omar 'Ali Saif ud-din III, and awarded for distinguished or meritorious service in 3 classes (Dato Paduka Sri Laila, Dato Laila Jasa, and Third class). The post-nominal letters are: Dato Paduka Sri Laila - PSLJ, Dato Laila Jasa - DSLJ, and Third class - SLJ.

Here is the 2nd Class Badge and Star:

[Picture credit: UBS]

[Megan]

Here is a 3rd Class badge:

However, the centre is somewhat different from that shown in the 2nd Class insignia above - I wonder if it varied over time... and if so, what the dates were!

[Picture credit: Liverpool Medals]

[kapten_windu]

Hi Megan, what's it manufacturer? is it made locally?

[Megan]

Unknown, the Liverpool Medals catalogue just says "Most Distinguished Order of Merit Commander neck badge"

However, looking through my archives I have found 2 dated badges for the Order of Loyalty to the State of Brunei, which was instituted in 1959. The first, dated 1968, has the same centre as the 3rd Class badge I've posted above, the other is tagged 'Post 1984' and has the same centre as the 2nd Class insignia above (and that shown for the Order of Loyalty elsewhere on here...). So perhaps there was a major change in insignia, possibly coinciding with Brunei's full independence from Britain.

Fun, isn't it!

[heusy68]

Exactly,when the 2 Lions are facing eachothers,it's 1st Type (before 1984 which is the official date of full independence from Great Britain).The 2nd Type (with the crown) in center is post 1984.

This remark is also valid for the Order Setia Negara (Darjah Setia Negara) and Order of Palhawan Setia Negara (Darjah Palhawan Setia Negara).

The Family Order of Brunei has also 2 type (one given before 1984 with portrait of Sultan),and one given after 1984 (with crown in center).

Until recently (maybe middle of the 90ies) all the Orders & Medals of Brunei were produced by Spink of London,but much recent one have been seen with the mark & in case of ELM Singapore.

Emmanuel

[Megan]

Thank you, Emmanuel, for confirming what I'd been working out from the physical evidence. Scurrying off to update the site forthwith!

ELM are already looking at what they are able to share with me in the shape of images and information, I guess I'd better start talking to Spinks as well. (They already permit me to use their auction catalogues, kind souls!)