King's Medal for Courage (1945)

Un-named as issued

A complete set including;

- Gilt tooled plush hinged case of issue. With Royal Mint 'King's Crown' logo on inside
- Ribbon bar. This with reverse long hinged pin and clasp fittings

The medal mounted on investiture brooch as issued. The revere of the mounting brooch retaining the original long hinged pin and clasp fittings

Instituted in 1945, the decoration was uniquely awarded to foreign, non-British subjects, and wa specifically awarded for;

Quote,

'The medal shall be awarded only for acts of courage entailing risk to life or for service entailing dangerous work in hazardous circumstances, in furtherance of the Allied cause during the war, and shall be granted b without distinction to status of rank'

Unquote.

While most awards were bestowed for acts of courage performed in enemy occupied Europe, in particular France, Belgium & The Netherlands, the award had a much wider world-wide remit, reflecting the 'World War', with awards being bestowed on nationals of several South East Asian state including, Palestine, Sudan, China, Thailand, the Unfederated Malay States, Netherlands East Indies, North Borneo (47 x awards published in Government Gazette of 7 August 1947) and Sarawak (34 x awards published Government Gazette of 1 September 1947, ( with 2 x cancellations on 1 April 1948), and a further 3 x awards on 3 August 1948).

Reference 'British Battles & Medals' (Abbott & Tamplin, 1981), an estimated 3,200 awards were made to allied recipients, both military & civilian

Condition: EF

Code: 18990Price:

British North Borneo Company: Bravery Cross (Inst 1890). Silver issue

Un-named as issued

The medal fitted with length of the original 'orange' moire riband (it was later changed to yellow)

The revere of cross with English Silver hallamrk and makers marks for 'Joseph Moore Ltd', Birmingham, England, 1890. The suspension ring additionally hallmarked with English 'Lion Passant' silver hallmark

Note: The maker 'Joseph Moore Ltd' (15 Pitsford Street, Birmingham), was the only company contracted by the British North Company to strike these awards, in two grades, silver, and bronze. In 1958 the company was taken over by Fattorini & Sons of Birmingham, which company is frequently contracted to manufacture orders and medals on behalf of the British Government

Instituted in 1890, the Bravery Cross was made retrospective to inclue deeds performed in actions dating as far back as 1883. It was awarded in two grades, silver and bronze, and was open to award for all British and native 'All-Ranks' of the Armed Constabulary

Only 5 x silver crosses and 4 x bronze awards are recorded as having been awarded

Extremely rare

Condition: GVF

Code: 18989Price:

Territory of Papua and the Mandated Territory of New Guinea (Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU)) 1942-1945: Loyalty Medal for Papua & New Guinea, 1944. Reverse serial numbered '381'. With full neck chain, as-issued

Obverse: Australia Coat of Arms

Reverse: Engraved with number '381' and below the raised legend 'For Loyal Service'

Metal: Silver. With makers name 'Stokes' and 'Sterling' silver marks impressed on rim

Dimension: Approx 38mm

Weight: Including integral chain 65g

Suspension: Neck chain length approx 760mm

Designed and instituted by the Australian Military Administration of Territory of Papua and Mandated Territory of New Guineas , as a reward to indiginous members of the native constabularis (Royal Papuan Constabulary & New Guinea Constabulary), Papuan Infantry Battalion, Coast-Wathers, Solomon Scouts etc for outstanding acts of loyalty and distinguished service during the New Guinea campaigns 1942-1945

Note: The Australian War Memorial Collections include a series of photographs taken in 1945, showing Major-General W. Bridgeford, GOC 3 Division presenting awards to Native Scouts, Native Constabulary, Papuan Infantry Battalion, Coastwatchers, decorated for the fighting in New Britain, including the long running siege of Rabaul and at Bouganville. The medal was awarded for service in all parts of Papua & New Guinea, under the scope and remit of Australian New Guinea Administrative Unit (ANGAU)) 1942-1945

A rare and desirable item of 'Pacific War' insignia

Condition: Toned About EF

Code: 18988Price: 575.00 GBP