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The SS Edelweiss Cap Badge

The SS Edelweiss Cap Badge was an award given by the Third Reich regime to Waffen-SS Mountain Troops serving in Norway.

The SS Edelweiss Cap Badge was an award established on 15th April 1941 and given by the Third Reich regime to Waffen-SS Mountain Troops serving in Norway.

In October 1940, Waffen-SS Mountain Troops stationed in Norway began wearing Army-style attire. Subsequently, on April 15, 1941, authorization was extended to all SS-Mountain Troops to don the Mountain Cap.

The choice of the Edelweiss was deliberate, as it thrives in the challenging conditions of high Alpine elevations, symbolizing resilience and fortitude.

The SS Edelweiss Cap Badge Design

The Officer’s Edelweiss badge was crafted from either bullion or aluminum thread, reflecting superior quality. In contrast, badges for Non-Commissioned Officers and enlisted men were of lesser quality and made from regular thread.

The Edelweiss Badge was affixed to the left side of the cap. The emblem held significant symbolism, not only representing the German mountain troops but also embodying qualities of bravery and courage. 

The Van Riebeeck Decoration

The Van Riebeeck Decoration is a South African military honor for acts of bravery, established by the Union of South Africa in 1952.

The Van Riebeeck Decoration, designated by the post-nominal letters DVR, is a South African military honor for acts of bravery, established by the Union of South Africa in 1952. It was conferred upon officers for distinguished service in combat against an adversary.

The Van Riebeeck Decoration was established by Queen Elizabeth II on April 6, 1952, coinciding with the Tercentenary Van Riebeeck Festival. Originally, the logical post-nominal letters would have been VRD. However, these letters were already assigned to the Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, which had also been conferred upon South Africans. Therefore, the letters DVR were selected instead.

Only two decorations were ever awarded, both in 1972.

The Van Riebeeck Decoration Design

Crafted in silver-gilt, the Van Riebeeck Decoration takes the form of the five-pointed outline of the Castle of Good Hope, fitting within a 38-millimeter diameter circle. The suspension features a cluster of eight protea leaves. In relief, the statue of Jan van Riebeeck, located in the Heerengracht in Cape Town, is depicted against a backdrop of three rings representing Van Riebeeck’s ships. The outer ring is inscribed “UITNEMENDE DIENS” on the left and “DISTINGUISHED SERVICE” on the right.

The reverse side displays the pre-1994 South African Coat of Arms. Versions produced before May 31, 1961, bore Queen Elizabeth II’s royal cipher (E II R) above the coat of arms, which was subsequently removed from subsequent awards.

Measuring 32 millimeters wide, the ribbon is sky blue in color.

The Star of South Africa Medal

The Star of South Africa Medal was a military honor established by the Union of South Africa to recognize exceptional merit.

The Star of South Africa, denoted by the post-nominal letters SSA, was a military honor established by the Union of South Africa between 1952 and 1975 to recognize exceptional merit. It was conferred upon general and flag officers of the South African Defence Force for their exceptionally meritorious service. However, it was discontinued on July 1, 1975, coinciding with the introduction of a new set of orders, decorations, and medals.

The Star of South Africa was granted to general and flag officers in recognition of their remarkable service. Essentially, it replaced the Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), which had been awarded to senior South African officers during World War II.

The Star of South Africa Medal Design

The Star of South Africa was crafted in silver and comprised eight five-pointed stars of various sizes, arranged in layers to fit within a 50-millimeter diameter circle.

On the reverse side, the decoration displayed the pre-1994 South African coat of arms. Specimens awarded before South Africa’s republic status on May 31, 1961, featured Queen Elizabeth’s royal cipher (E II R) above the coat of arms.

The decoration was worn around the neck on an orange ribbon, measuring 44 millimeters in width. It featured three green bands in the center, each 3 millimeters wide and spaced 6 millimeters apart.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration was established in 1952 and designated as a military honor for acts of bravery.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration, established by the Union of South Africa on April 6, 1952, was designated as a military honor for acts of bravery.

Despite its establishment, it was never conferred. The decoration was intended to recognize members of the South African Defence Force for exceptional acts of valor, conspicuous bravery, daring deeds, self-sacrifice, or extraordinary devotion to duty in the face of the enemy. A Bar could be added for subsequent acts of similar bravery.

This decoration held the highest rank among South African honors, decorations, and medals from 1952 to 2003. Queen Elizabeth II formally approved it on January 26, 1953, as a South African equivalent to the Victoria Cross (VC), which South African servicemen had previously been eligible for.

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration Design

The Castle of Good Hope Decoration featured a gold pentagon representing the silhouette of the historic Castle of Good Hope in Cape Town, South Africa’s oldest military structure. Its obverse side depicted Van Riebeeck’s three ships arriving at Table Bay in 1652, encircled by a double ring. The inner ring was adorned with a wreath of proteas, while the outer ring bore the inscriptions “CASTEEL DE GOEDE HOOP DEKORASIE” at the top and “CASTLE OF GOOD HOPE DECORATION” at the bottom.

The reverse side showcased the pre-2000 South African coat of arms with Queen Elizabeth’s royal cipher (E II R) positioned above it. Only one decoration of this design was produced.

The bar, made of gold, featured a miniature replica of the Castle of Good Hope embossed in its center.

Measuring 44 millimeters in width, the ribbon was green. Originally designed to be worn around the neck, a decision was made in 1991 to modify it into a chest decoration, anticipating the need for a new specimen without the royal cipher if it were to be awarded. However, this alteration never became necessary.

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service is eligible to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct.

The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, and became effective on April 27, 2003. It is eligible for presentation to all ranks who have demonstrated impeccable character and conduct, and have completed ten years of qualifying service.

The medal is eligible for presentation to all ranks of the South African National Defence Force and any Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, provided their character and conduct have been impeccable. Additionally, recipients must have completed ten years of qualifying service, regardless of whether it was continuous, starting from April 27, 2003, onwards. Posthumous awards of both the medal and its bars are permissible.

Qualifying service encompasses prior service in the constituent permanent or part-time forces of the SANDF, as well as other former uniformed institutions like the Police forces and Prisons services of South Africa, the Republics of Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, and Ciskei, and the Self-Governing Territories.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Medalje vir Troue Diens Medal for Loyal Service Design

The Medalje vir Troue Diens – Medal for Loyal Service is circular and made of nickel-silver, with a diameter of 38 millimeters and a raised, evenly scalloped edge. Its obverse side features the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in relief.

On the reverse side, the medal displays the emblem of the South African National Defence Force at the top. Below, the words “VIR TROUE DIENS” are inscribed in relief around the lower perimeter, with the medal number impressed between the emblem and the inscription. The medal is attached to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim.

The ribbon is 32 millimeters wide and colored national flag green. It features a 3 millimeter wide national flag red band and a 3 millimeter wide white band on the left edge, as well as a 3 millimeter wide white band and a 3 millimeter wide national flag blue band on the right edge.

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations with the UDF.

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal was established by the President of the Republic of South Africa on April 16, 2003, becoming effective on April 27, 2003. It is granted to all ranks who have taken part in military campaigns or operations that, although not meeting the criteria for specific campaign medals, merit recognition through a general service medal. The title of the medal is bilingual, presented in both Tshivenda and English.

The medal is eligible for all ranks of the South African National Defence Force, Auxiliary Service of the South African National Defence Force, and Armed Forces associated with or aiding the South African National Defence Force.

Those who have participated, whether directly or in support, in military campaigns or operations, whether they are belligerent or not, for one day or longer, in accordance with the regulations outlined in the Defence Act, qualify. These operations, while not individually meriting specific campaign medals, are deemed significant enough to warrant the presentation of a general service medal.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho General Service Medal Design

The Tshumelo Ikatelaho – General Service Medal is a 38-millimeter bronze medal, octagonal in shape, featuring a faceted nine-pointed star encircled by a laurel wreath. The star symbolizes the nine Provinces of the Republic of South Africa.

On the reverse side, the medal displays the coat of arms of the Republic of South Africa in raised relief. It is affixed to a plain nickel-silver suspender fixed to the upper rim of the medal, with the medal number stamped below the coat of arms.

The ribbon measures 32 millimeters in width and consists of a national flag blue band measuring 5 millimeters, followed by a 2 millimeter white band, a national flag red band measuring 6 millimeters, and a 1½ millimeter gold band. These bands are repeated in reverse order and separated by a 3 millimeter black band in the center.

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal is a South Africa military honor awarded for acts of bravery. It was established in 2003.

The Nkwe ya Gauta, also known by its post-nominal letters NG or Golden Leopard, is a South African military honor awarded for acts of bravery. Established in 2003, it superseded the Honoris Crux Gold (HCG) and stands as South Africa’s foremost military decoration for acts of courage.

The title of this decoration is bilingual, being presented in both Sesotho and English. It stands as the highest tier within a trilogy of military decorations for bravery, accompanied by the Nkwe ya Selefera – Silver Leopard and the Nkwe ya Boronse – Bronze Leopard.

The Nkwe ya Gauta – Golden Leopard is granted to members of the South African National Defence Force, its Auxiliary Services, and any affiliated Armed Forces who display exceptional bravery during military operations, whether through singular acts or sustained valor.

About The Union Defence Forces (UDF)

Established in 1912 as the Union Defence Forces (UDF), the military entity underwent a renaming to become the South African Defence Force (SADF) in 1958. Subsequently, on April 27, 1994, it merged with six other distinct forces to form the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The Nkwe ya Gauta Golden Leopard Medal Design

The Nkwe ya Gauta – Golden Leopard features a five-armed cross pattée made of 9 carat gold, measuring 38 millimeters in diameter. The cross’s arms are faceted per chevron and embowed throughout, with the extremities also embowed and separated by three short rays. At the center of the obverse side lies a 19-millimeter light blue enamel roundel adorned with a golden leopard’s head.

On the reverse side, the decoration showcases the relief of the coat of arms of South Africa. It is affixed to a plain gold suspender fixed to the upper arm of the decoration, with the medal number either impressed or engraved below the coat of arms.

The ribbon accompanying the decoration is 32 millimeters wide, with 6 millimeters wide gold edges. Its sky blue color symbolizes the feathers of the blue crane, historically presented by Xhosa kings to courageous warriors.

The Lint voor Wonden Award

The Lint voor Wonden Medal was instituted on 21 December 1920 as a retrospective award for Boer veteran officers and men.

The Lint voor Verwonding, or Wound Riband, is a military campaign decoration in South Africa. Established on December 21, 1920, it was a retrospective honor for Boer veteran officers and soldiers of the 1899–1902 Second Boer War who had sustained injuries in combat.

The Lint voor Wonden, also known as Lint voor Verwonding, was officially designated as Lint voor Verwonding Opgedaan Gedurende de Anglo-Boere Oorlog, 1899–1902 (Riband for Wounds Sustained During the Anglo-Boer War, 1899–1902). It was instituted through Government Notice no. 2307 on December 21, 1920, and published in the Union of South Africa Government Gazette on December 24, 1920.

This honor was retroactively conferred upon Boer veteran officers and soldiers who were wounded in action while serving in the combat forces of the South African Republic and the Orange Free State during the Second Boer War, spanning from October 11, 1899, to May 31, 1902.

The Lint voor Wonden Award Design

The Lint voor Wonden or Lint voor Verwonding was accompanied by a certificate upon issuance. The initial version of this certificate was simple and unadorned, filled out by hand with details such as the recipient’s rank, name, and the Republican Force they served with. Additionally, the recipient’s file number was included in the top left corner of the document.

In a later version, the certificate featured a full-color reproduction of the riband. While the Republican Force was pre-printed on this version, it did not include space for the recipient’s file number.

The riband itself measured 1+1⁄2 inches (38 millimeters).

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 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.