1929-issue Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal

Historical Significance

This medal is a 1929 issue Member of the Order of the British Empire. This medals is unique in that it displays the figure of Britannia instead of the conjoined busts of George V and Queen Mary as seen in post-1937 variants, which are known as second type medals. The inscription which encircles the Britannia obverse is "FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE". When looking at the reverse, we see the Royal and Imperial Cypher that says "GRI", which stands for Georgius Rex Imperator (which, in Latin, means 'George King [and] Emperor'), representing King George V. Because this is a 1929 issue, the ribbon is Purple, which is different to modern MBEs, where the ribbon is rose-pink with grey edges. As this is a Civil Division medal, the ribbon doesn't include a thin central scarlet stripe on the ribbon which would otherwise signify a Military Division MBE. 

The MBE was rewarded for responsible service and achievement in the community. Unlike some of the other National Honours, this was a relatively new one, and had only existed for around 12 years at the time of this medal's creation, as the MBE was introduced in 1917. The primary jeweller for the Crown at the time was Garrard & Co. whose logo can be seen inside the box (as seen in the Technical Gallery and Further Images section just below). The medal itself is London-hallmarked sterling silver.

The Garrard & Co. case that is included with the medal is in relatively good condition, however the silk lining on the inside is beginning to wear away. The Moroccan leather box, however, is in very good condition and only has small surface marks and scuffs. All efforts are being made to maintain the condition of this piece. 

Select References & Further Reading:

• The London Gazette, Supplement 33472, 26 February 1929

• Gerrard & Co. Archives. Victoria and Albert Museum AAD/1995/10

• Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood, Statutes of the Order of the British Empire (1917, revised 1922). St James' Palace. 

• Duckers, Peter. British Orders and Decorations: 424. Shire Publications.

• Galloway, Peter. The Order of the British Empire. Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood.

• Willoughby, Roger. For God and the Empire: The Medal of the Order of the British Empire 1917-1922.

Header image: 5000 people wait outside the State Labor Bureau, AP, November 24, 1933. Image sourced via Public Domain.