A scarce confirmed senior 'Detective's campaign and long service medal pair: Detective Head Constable J. Steven, Cape Western Division, South African Police

Comprising:

a). Defence Medal

b). Union of South Africa: Police Good Service Medal. 1st type issue (No. 86 (F) Det. Head Const. J. Steven.)

Note: Minor official correction at last letter only of surname - and exactly as issued from the Pretoria Mint, and as worn by the recipient

Sold together with:

- Single space riband bar for Police Good Service Medal. This with hinged pin & clasp mounting bar

- Double spaced riband bar for Defence Medal & Police Good Service Medal. This with hinged pin & clasp mounting bar

The South African Police Faithful Service Medal was first instituted in 1923 - and the first type issue with obverse legend 'Police Service' in English & 'Politie Dienst' Dutch languages was only awarded through to 1932. The medal could have been awarded for either 18 years exemplary service (not necessarily continuous, but could be aggregated), or bestowed for a specific act of gallantry or distinguished conduct

The recipient was a member of the original 'White' complement of police personnel of the South African Police, who held the number '86' in the Cape Western Division of the South African Police where he served in the 'Foot' branch and at the time of receiving his long service medal held the rank of Detective Head Constable

On, 1 April 1913, the South African Police Force was established, the personnel being mostly drawn from amongst the hitherto separate existing police forces of the respective states of the Union. At establishment, each member of the South African Police Force was allocated a unique service number in the range 1 to 4011. At formation the South African Police issued were 9 x sequential blocks by 'Rank' that were further sub-divided by geopgraphic force, or division. From the naming on the recipient's Police Good Service Medal he has been positively identified as having been on the original muster of the 'Foot Police' of the 'Cape Western Division' at which tim ein 1913, he held the senior NCO rank of 2nd Class Head Constable. At the time of his award of the Police Good Service Medal he was holding the rank of Detective Head Constable

By the time of the Second World War, the recipient, who is though to have been of Scottish birth, had returned to the United Kingdom, and during the war years served in a Home Guard capacity (his Defence Medal is a Royal Mint issue). It is thought that he was a resident of the Scottish Borders region

The Police Good Conduct Medal retining it's original silk riband, and mounted in the swing-style, and as-worn by the recipient. The reverse of the medal mounting bar retaining its hinged pin and clasp fittings

Note: The recipients companion miniature medal pair, and related veterans association badges are listed separately for sale on the website

A very scarce early first type medal - only issued 1923-1932 - named to a senior 'Detective'

The silver long service medal toned.

Condition: About EF

Code: 22745