Category: Pre-WW1 Medals

The Order of The Virtues

The Order of The Virtues is an Egyptian order of knighthood founded in 1915 and awarded to women for merit.

The Order of the Virtues (or Nishan al-Kamal, وسام الكمال) is an Egyptian order of knighthood awarded to women for merit. It was established in 1915 and brought back in 1953 under the Egyptian Republic.

Women who render valuable services to the nation or humanity may be eligible for the Order’s recognition. 

The order is composed of the following classes of merit:

  • Supreme Class
  • 1st Class
  • 2nd Class
  • 3rd Class

The highest distinction, the Supreme Class, is reserved for the world’s first ladies and may also be conferred upon the spouses of crown princes or vice-presidents. The First Class of the medal is designated for the spouses of prime ministers, ministers, and individuals in similar roles, while the Second Class is bestowed upon the spouses of ambassadors and other distinguished individuals.

The Order of The Virtues Design

The Supreme Class of the medal is worn on the left side of the chest and features a medallion embellished with red sapphires, turquoise, and blue sapphires. This class is also draped with an 8-centimeter-wide sash crafted from gray silk and accented by two yellow golden welts. Completing this ensemble is a smaller medallion, also adorned with red sapphires, at the end of the sash.

The First Class of the medal mirrors the Supreme Class in design but omits the sapphires and turquoise. The Second and Third Classes of the medal are worn on the left side of the chest, too, but suspended by a knotted ribbon measuring 3.1 centimeters in width. These classes feature medallions akin to those of the First Class, albeit smaller in size.

The ribbon is light grey with yellow/gold edges.

The Order of the Nile

The Order of the Nile was an Egyptian decoration established in 1915 and one of the principal orders of the Kingdom of Egypt.

Established in 1915, the Order of the Nile (Kiladat El Nil, قلادة النيل) stood as a prominent honor of the Kingdom of Egypt until the monarchy’s dissolution in 1953. Subsequently, it was reinstated as the highest state honor of the Republic of Egypt.

Established in 1915 by Sultan Hussein Kamel of Egypt, the Order was intended for individuals who had provided valuable service to the nation. Positioned below the Order of Ismail, it was frequently bestowed upon British officers and officials serving in Egypt, alongside esteemed Egyptian citizens.

The order consisted of five classes:

  • Grand Cordon: The badge was worn from a sash over the right shoulder, with a star displayed on the left chest.
  • Grand Officer: The badge was worn around the neck, accompanied by a smaller star on the left chest.
  • Commander: The badge was worn around the neck.
  • Officer: The badge was worn on the left chest, suspended from a ribbon adorned with a rosette.
  • Knight: The badge was worn on the left chest, suspended from a plain ribbon.

Following Egypt’s transition to a republic in 1953, the Order of the Nile underwent reconstitution to assume the role of Egypt’s premier state distinction. Presently, it comprises:

  • Collar: Reserved for the President of the Republic, and possibly conferred upon other Heads of State.
  • Grand Cordon: Conferred in recognition of exceptional contributions to the nation. In this category, the order’s insignia is worn from a sash, with the order’s star displayed on the left chest.

The Order of the Nile Design

The Order of the Nile comprises a collar crafted from pure gold, adorned with three square gold units embellished with Pharaonic symbols.

Each unit symbolizes distinct concepts: the first unit embodies the idea of safeguarding the state from adversities, the second unit represents the prosperity and joy brought forth by the Nile, while the third unit signifies wealth and resilience. These units are intricately linked by a circular gold flower ornamented with turquoise and ruby gemstones.

Suspended from the collar is a hexagonal pendant adorned with Pharaonic-style floral motifs, accented with turquoise and ruby gems. At the center of the pendant, a prominent symbol depicting the Nile unites the representations of the North (portrayed by the Papyrus) and the South (embodied by the Lotus).

The Order of the Nile - Collar.
The Order of the Nile - Collar. Obverse.
The Order of the Nile - Grand Cross. Obverse.
The Order of the Nile - Grand Cross Insignia. Obverse.

The King’s Police Medal

The King’s Police Medal is an award of the United Kingdom given to police in the United Kingdom for gallantry or distinguished service.

The King’s Police Medal (or KPM) is bestowed upon police officers in the United Kingdom in recognition of acts of gallantry or distinguished service. Initially established on 7 July 1909, its creation was prompted by the need to honor the bravery exhibited by police officers during the Tottenham Outrage.

Originally, the medal was awarded across the wider British Empire, including Commonwealth nations. However, many of these countries now have their own systems of honors.

In 1940, the medal was renamed the King’s Police and Fire Services Medal (KPFSM), and it was later replaced by the Queen’s Police Medal (QPM) on 19 May 1954, coinciding with the establishment of a separate Queen’s Fire Service Medal. Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II in 2022 and the ascension of King Charles III to the throne of the United Kingdom, the award reverted to its original name, the King’s Police Medal.

From 1909 to 1979, the medal was conferred a total of 4,070 times for acts of gallantry and distinguished service, including awards across dominions and the empire. During this period, 54 bars and one second bar were awarded in recognition of multiple acts of gallantry or service.

The King’s Police Medal Design

The medal is circular silver and measures 36 mm in diameter. The ribbon is suspended from a ring.

The obverse of the medal features the profile of the reigning monarch, accompanied by an inscription denoting the specific period of their reign. The reverse side depicts Saint Michael, the patron saint of police officers, holding a sword and shield at rest, symbolizing preparedness for peace.

Although the basic design has remained consistent since its inception in 1909, over time, the exergue of the medal underwent changes, with the addition of inscriptions such as “For Distinguished Police Service” or “For Gallantry.” Recipients’ names, ranks, and forces are inscribed on the rim of the medal.

The ribbon, originally dark blue with silver stripes at each edge, was later amended to include a central silver stripe and, for gallantry awards, a thin red stripe down the middle of each silver stripe from 1933 onwards.

The Charlotte Cross

The Charlotte Cross was a decoration founded in 1916 by King Wilhelm II to honor his wife and awarded for care-related services.

The Charlotte Cross, established on January 5, 1916 by King Wilhelm II in tribute to his wife, Queen Charlotte, was bestowed upon individuals regardless of rank, who demonstrated exceptional care for the sick and wounded in times of war. It also recognized other valuable caregiving services during World War I.

The Charlotte Cross Design

The emblem comprises a silvered white metal cross botonny, featuring a central medallion. The front of the medallion displays the intertwined initials “C” and “W” for Charlotte and Wilhelm, while the reverse side bears the year 1916.

Initially crafted from pure silver, the crosses changed to other materials at the onset of World War I.

It was tradition to wear the emblem on the left breast, attached to a yellow ribbon bordered by narrow and wide black stripes on either side.

The Royal Ark Mariner Jewel

The Royal Ark Mariner Jewel is a decoration of the Royal Ark Mariner degree, an appendant Masonic degree associated with the Mark Masonry.

The Royal Ark Mariner Jewel is a decoration of the Royal Ark Mariner degree, an appendant Masonic degree associated with the Mark Masonry.

The degree is conferred in some Masonic jurisdictions around the world and is sometimes administered by a separate Grand Lodge or Grand Mark Lodge.

The degree centers around the story of Noah’s Ark and the biblical flood. Members of the Royal Ark Mariner degree are often referred to as “Ark Mariners.” The degree emphasizes themes of preparation, preservation, and providence, drawing from the biblical narrative of Noah and his ark.

Membership in the Royal Ark Mariner degree is typically open to Master Masons who have already received the Mark Master Mason degree. It offers members an opportunity for further Masonic education and personal growth, while also fostering fellowship and camaraderie among its members.

The Royal Ark Mariner Jewel Design

The Royal Ark Mariner Jewel design is rich in symbolism and craftsmanship. 

One distinctive element of the Royal Ark Mariner Jewel is the use of a rainbow-colored ribbon, symbolizing the story of Noah and the Ark, a tradition that has been maintained for centuries.

Additionally, the jewel tends to include symbols like a dove holding an olive branch, further emphasizing the Masonic symbolism associated with this degree.

The Red Cross of Constantine Past Commanders Jewel

The Red Cross of Constantine Past Commanders Jewel is a decoration of the Christian fraternal order of Freemasonry.

The Red Cross of Constantine Jewel is a decoration of the Christian fraternal order of Freemasonry. Aspirants to the order are required to hold membership in Craft Freemasonry (lodge) and Royal Arch Freemasonry (chapter). Additionally, they must profess adherence to the Christian faith and affirm their belief in the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine comprises a three-degree Order of Masonry, and with its “Appendant Orders,” a total of five degrees are granted within this framework.

The Red Cross of Constantine bestows the title of Past Commander upon individuals who have previously served as Commanders within its ranks. This designation is a mark of honor and recognition for their dedication, leadership, and contributions to the order.

Past Commanders within the Red Cross of Constantine play a vital role in the organization’s activities and rituals. They bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table, guiding and mentoring newer members while upholding the traditions and values of the order. These esteemed individuals often continue to actively participate in the affairs of the Red Cross of Constantine, offering their expertise and support to ensure the continued success and prosperity of the order. 

The Red Cross of Constantine Past Commanders Jewel Design

For centuries, Freemasonry has integrated symbols and ceremonies from various Medieval military orders into its Masonic organizations. Among these is the notable Red Cross of Constantine, which is inspired by the Military Constantinian Order.

The insignia for the Red Cross of Constantine features a red cross pattée (a cross with arms that narrow towards the center) surrounded by a golden wreath or border. The Past Commander Jewel is instead black, with a bird suspension and a white ribbon.

The Mark Master Masons Jewel

The Mark Master Masons Jewel is a decoration used to attend the lodge meetings. A symbol of Masonic honor, it symbolizes dedication.

The Mark Master Masons Jewel is a decoration used to attend the lodge meetings. A symbol of Masonic honor, it symbolizes dedication.

The Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, commonly referred to as the Mark Degree, is a distinct Masonic body that focuses on the teachings and symbolism associated with the biblical character of Mark Master Masons. It is considered one of the appendant bodies within Freemasonry, meaning it operates alongside regular Masonic lodges but requires Masonic membership for admission.

The Mark Degree emphasizes the themes of craftsmanship, dedication, and personal improvement, drawing from the story of the construction of King Solomon’s Temple as described in the Bible. Mark Master Masonry is centered around the symbolic portrayal of the skilled stonemasons who marked their work with their unique mark or symbol.

The Mark Master Masons Jewel Design

The pendant is marked “K.S.H.T.W.S.S.T.” for “Hiram The Widow’s Son Sent To King Solomon“.

In 1 Kings 7:13–14, Hiram is depicted as the offspring of a widow from the tribe of Naphtali, his father being a skilled bronze worker from Tyre. Solomon summoned him to fashion the bronze furnishings and intricate embellishments for the construction of the new temple. Freemasons frequently allude to Hiram (sometimes with the appended Abiff) as “the widow’s son,” drawing from this narrative. Hiram cast these bronze items in clay molds situated in the Jordan valley, between Succoth and Zarethan/Zeredathah (1 Kings 7:46–47). 

The ribbon is turquoise and red.

The Masonic Craft Past Masters Jewel

The Masonic Craft Past Masters Jewel is a decoration that signifies leadership and accomplishment among Freemasons.

The Masonic Craft Past Masters Jewel is a decoration that signifies leadership and accomplishment among Freemasons.

In Freemasonry, a Past Master refers to an individual who has previously served as the Worshipful Master of a Masonic Lodge. The title “Worshipful Master” is the formal designation for the presiding officer of a Masonic Lodge during their term of office. Once a Worshipful Master completes their tenure, they are referred to as a Past Master.

A Masonic Craft Past Master, therefore, is a Freemason who has held the position of Worshipful Master in a Masonic Craft Lodge. Past Masters often play important roles within their lodges and the broader Masonic community, providing guidance, wisdom, and leadership based on their experience in the chair. They may also participate in Masonic rituals and ceremonies, offering their knowledge and expertise to support the lodge and its members.

The Masonic Craft Past Masters Jewel Design

The jewel’s crest is made of metal gilt. It consists of the Square, the Compasses, and an Arc of a Circle in Scotland, the Square and Compasses with the capital ‘G’ in the center in Ireland, and in England, it has been the Square with the 47th Proposition of Euclid pendent within it. The shape of this jewel varies slightly depending on the region, but it commonly includes these symbolic elements.

The light blue or turquoise ribbon that accompanies the jewel is significant as well, as the color is one of the primary colors associated with Freemasonry. It represents the virtues of friendship, fidelity, and truth, which are central to the Masonic ethos.

The Red Cross of Constantine Jewel

The Red Cross of Constantine Jewel is a decoration of the Christian fraternal order of Freemasonry. Members must be of Christian religion.

The Red Cross of Constantine Jewel is a decoration of the Christian fraternal order of Freemasonry. Aspirants to the order are required to hold membership in Craft Freemasonry (lodge) and Royal Arch Freemasonry (chapter). Additionally, they must profess adherence to the Christian faith and affirm their belief in the Christian doctrine of the Holy Trinity.

The Masonic and Military Order of the Red Cross of Constantine comprises a three-degree Order of Masonry, and with its “Appendant Orders,” a total of five degrees are granted within this framework.

Attainment of the title “Knight of the Red Cross of Constantine” marks entry into the Order’s initial degree. Subsequently, two additional degrees are conferred, along with two other separate Masonic Orders, both characterized by their Christian nature, overseen by each national or regional Grand Imperial Conclave of the Order.

The Knight-Mason ceremony is short and simple, but focuses on teaching valuable moral lessons to the candidate. These lessons are based upon the story of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great and the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.

The Red Cross of Constantine Jewel Design

For centuries, Freemasonry has integrated symbols and ceremonies from various Medieval military orders into its Masonic organizations. Among these is the notable Red Cross of Constantine, which is inspired by the Military Constantinian Order.

The insignia for the Red Cross of Constantine features a red cross pattée (a cross with arms that narrow towards the center) surrounded by a golden wreath or border. This symbolizes the connection to the historical figure Constantine the Great, who is said to have had a vision of a red cross before a decisive battle.

The Masonic Knights of Malta Jewel

The Knights of Malta Jewel is a decoration of one of the highest and most illustrious orders in Freemasonry, the Knights of Malta.

The Knights of Malta Jewel is a decoration of one of the highest and most illustrious orders in Freemasonry, the Knights of Malta. 

During the 11th century, the inception of the original Knights of Malta order aimed to ensure the safe journey and administer medical aid to Christian pilgrims.

In Masonic context, the Malta Degree is bestowed upon Candidates who have previously been Installed as Knights Templar. Although the regalia and ceremonial proceedings differ significantly from those of Knights Templar Freemasonry, it does not constitute a distinct governing body; rather, it serves as a progressive Degree within the Knights Templar Order. 

The Masonic ritual for the Installation of a Knight of Malta is richly ceremonial and punctuated with moments of drama and historical narrative. For instance, the ceremony commemorates the journey of the Knights Hospitaller from their origins in Jerusalem to their eventual settlement on the Island of Malta in 1522, following their passage through Palestine and Rhodes. 

The Masonic Knights of Malta Jewel Design

The Order’s jewel is a Maltese Cross similar to that of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta. On the obverse, the cross is adorned with white enamel and gold details. The ribbon is black.