JBFloyd Posted August 29, 2014 Share Posted August 29, 2014 Can anyone tell me anything beyond the obvious (i.e., that's it's unofficial) about this Royal Scots Greys medal? The reverse is blank except for silver marks and a maker's mark "Wilson & Sharp/Edinburgh" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted August 30, 2014 Share Posted August 30, 2014 Hi - Jeff. A very unusual commemorative piece. Silver and enamel cost money - so, there is a good reason for it's quality. I am intrigued by the small figure standing on an epaulette and 'reaching out '. Perhaps one of our Members will be able to tell us more ? Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFloyd Posted August 30, 2014 Author Share Posted August 30, 2014 The heart-shaped design is not one I commonly associate with military awards (other than some wound medals). I associate that design more with fraternal organizations (e.g., Odd Fellows, etc), but I would expect more lodge symbols to be included in the design. I wonder if there were various fraternal lodges connected with the regiment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peter monahan Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 Possibly one of the temperance groups, also often associated with military service in the late 19th and early 20th centuries? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrishGunner Posted September 1, 2014 Share Posted September 1, 2014 (edited) The Royal Artillery Association has charitable activities to help veterans and families of the Regiment of Royal Artillery. I know they have badges/pins; it's possible there are medals as well. The heart and "outstretched hand" imagery could possibly suggest something similar for the Royal Scots Greys; a charitable veterans organization extended from the Regiment. Edited September 1, 2014 by IrishGunner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBFloyd Posted September 1, 2014 Author Share Posted September 1, 2014 (edited) This came in today from the curator of the regimental museum: "The medal is called the "Hands Across the Sea Medal". It was given to the wives of servicemen who got together during World War I to send presents to regimental soldiers at the front. Some knitted gloves, some just sent presents. It is an unofficial medal issued by the regiment...The ribbon is made in the regimental colours of the Royal Scots Greys". So, now we know. Edited September 1, 2014 by JBFloyd Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mervyn Mitton Posted September 2, 2014 Share Posted September 2, 2014 Jeff - nice to know the exact origins. I wonder how many were presented ? Mervyn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelbonnet Posted September 7, 2014 Share Posted September 7, 2014 Hi Jeff, I have in my collection the same medal and a post card. It appears that the regiment (or some other body?) sold these medals and the postcards to raise funds for the troops who were interned in Germany. There must be more to the story as the Badges, as they described, were sold on 17th July 1915 (ONLY ONE DAY?) First pic is whole postcard second pic is close up of top corner third pic is is detail from the reverse Gordon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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