- Time Period: Interwar Period
- Year of Institution: 1920
- Country: Great Britain
The King’s Medal for Native Chiefs was instituted in 1920 and awarded exceptionally in silver-gilt (First Class) and usually in silver (Second Class).
Various large silver medals were struck for award to native chiefs in various parts of the world, from the eighteenth century onwards. This oval medal was worn around the neck from a silver collar. More modern issues, however, are smaller and intended for wear with a ribbon from the breast.
The medal is normally returned on the death of the recipient.
The King’s Medal for Native Chiefs Design
The medal is struck in silver or silver-gilt and measures 40mm by 34 mm (the original oval with collar) or 36mm by 32mm (the later circular version).
The obverse bears the crowned effigy of the monarch. The reverse shows a warship, symbolic of imperial power. The medals of Elizabeth II come in two versions: On is larger in size and has a collar, the other is smaller (1955) and fitted with a plain ring for suspension.
The ribbon is yellow watered silk, with two white central stripes (silver-gilt_ or a single white stripe (silver).
