South African Prisons Service Awards (1980 - 1996)

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Star for Excellence (SPE) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980

Awarded to general officers, for excellent service which promoted DCS efficiency.

 

A green-enamelled 6-armed 12-pointed gold star displaying a smaller gold star with a diamond in the centre (obverse). It is worn on a neck ribbon.

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Cross for Valour (Diamond) (CPV) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980

 

Awarded for death-defying valour in the line of duty or in protecting or saving life or property. 

 

A red-enamelled gold Maltese cross with a diamond in the centre superimposed on a white-enamelled Maltese cross (obverse).

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Cross for Valour (Ruby) (CPF) (1980 -1996)   

 

Instituted in 1980

 

Awarded for valour in the line of duty, or in protecting or saving life or property.

 

33 Awards were made, the first (1982) being to WO F.E. O'Ehley, for single-handedly breaking up a prison fight, in which he was injured.

 

 

[Megan]

Beat me to it, was just about to upload an image of that!

 

 

[Marcon1]

Hi Archie/Megan,

 

Some additional information concerning:

 

South African Prisons Service Star for Excellence (SPE) (1980-1996)

 Marked 9ct (gold) + real diamond

 

South African Prisons Service Cross for Valour (Ruby) (CPF) (1980 -1996) 

 Marked 9ct (gold) + real ruby.

 

Archie's picture is marked SILVER and the stone used is NOT a ruby.

 

Regards, Marcon1.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

You are correct. Most of the expensive awards were also made in silver.

 

The reason was actually when a recipient apply for a reissue and have to pay, they prefer to buy the cheaper silver gild award, rather to pay the high amount

 

Regards

Archie

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Star for Distinction (SPO) (1980 - 1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

Awarded to general officers, for exemplary service which promoted DCS efficiency.

 

Same design as the SPO, but smaller, and worn on a chest ribbon.

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (SPM) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

Awarded to officers, for outstanding service, characterised by ability, efficiency, perseverance or devotion.

 

A green-enamelled, gold-plated silver 5-armed 10-pointed star with protea flowers separating the arms (obverse).

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

The equivalent decoration for warrant officers, sergeants, and warders.

 

A green-enamelled gold-plated silver cross pattee.

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers)  (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

Awarded to officers, for special service, characterised by ability, efficiency, perseverance or devotion.

 

An octagonal multi-rayed star, the eight principal rays gilded, displaying an open protea flower in the centre (obverse).

[Marcon1]

Hiya,

 

Some more variations to look out for.

 

South African Prisons Service Star for Distinction (SPO) (1980 - 1996)

 Marked 9ct. (gold)

 

Archie's picture (dull gold surface) - no markings.

Shiny gold surface, no markings.

Note difference to surface.

 

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)

Note flat email surface and SILVER on suspender.

 

SILVER impressed.                                               SILVER raised. (see also Archie's picture)

Note difference in how the word SILVER appears on these two versions.

South African Prisons Service Star for Merit (CPM) (1980-1996)

 

SILVER impressed. (on Archie's picture SILVER is raised).

 

SILVER on suspender.

 

Marcon1.

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Non-Commissioned Officers) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

Awarded to warrant officers, sergeants, and warders, for special service, characterised by ability, efficiency, perseverance or devotion.

 

An octagonal multi-rayed star, the eight principal rays silver, displaying an open protea flower in the centre (obverse).

Hi Marco,

 

Yes there are so many variants.

 

I'm currently covering those in ny collection.

 

I had most variants befire, but had to cut down due to a lack of space. 

 

Thanks for your contribution

 

Regards

Archie

Edited May 9 by archie777
Wrong discription

[Marcon1]

Hiya,

 

A few more. 

 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers)  (1980-1996)

Marked SILVER on suspender.

 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Merit (Commissioned Officers) (1980-1996)

 

Note the difference in the "bridge".

Marked SILVER on suspender.

 

Marcon1.

 

Archie, I have no doubt that you have/had them seeing what you have in your collection.

I'm mentioning these variations for those collectors out there who do not know what they should be looking for.

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

That will definitely help any other collectors and for Megan.

 

I don't have pictures of all the variations and will store them, thanks

 

Regards

Archie

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (40 Years) (1980-1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

For faithful service and exemplary conduct. 

 

A circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse).

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (30 Years) (1980 - 1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. 

 

A circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse). Silver Gild.

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (20 Years) (1980 - 1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. 

 

A silver circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse). 

[archie777]

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (10 Years) (1980 - 1996)

 

Instituted in 1980.

 

Awarded for faithful service and exemplary conduct. 

 

A bronze circular medal displaying the SA Coat of Arms inside a circle of proteas (obverse) and the PS badge (reverse). 

[Marcon1]

Hiya,

 

Some more information (pictures) of variations + clarification to Archie's South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (40 Years) (1980-1996).

 

The medal is that of the South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (30 Years) (1980 - 1996) - the 40 years is denoted by the clasp. 

 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (20 Years) (1980 - 1996).

Impressed SILVER at bottom, Note open bridge between suspender and disc. (in my collection).

 

Impressed SILVER on suspender. (in my collection).

 

South African Prisons Service Medal for Faithful Service (10 Years) (1980 - 1996).

Open bridge between suspender and disc. (in my collection).

 

mint error with closed ribbon gap . (in my collection).

 

Regards, Marcon1.

 

 

Edited May 10 by Marcon1

[archie777]

Hi Marco,

 

Thanks for that. Unfortunately busy with the book on the other hand snd good that you can help

 

Stay safe

 

Regards

Archie