Here on offer a very fine and rare example of a solid silver George V coinage profile, Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) awarded to Colour Sergeant A. E. MONEY, of the Royal Scots.

The MSM was first introduced in 1845 for soldiers who were in the army for a very long time. In the First World War, it was decided to use it for special acts of bravery too. From 23 November 1916 soldiers were given the medal for special brave acts which happened while they were not in battle or under gunfire.

My understanding is that only 550 of these medals, with the George V coinage profile by Bertram Mackennal, where ever produced.

They were issued between 1931 and 1936.

The obverse bears the rarer coinage style portrait of George V and has the following Latin inscription around the inner edge:

GEORGIVS VI BRITT: OMN: REX ET IND:IMP:

Which translates to George V King of Great Britain and Emperor of India. 

The reverse depicts a wreath of laurel leaves with a crown at the top and the words:

 FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICE

The laurel wreath was given to victors in Ancient Greece and Rome and it is still a symbol of victory today.  

The recipient's details are impressed in large capitals on the medal's rim.

COL. SJT. A. E. MONEY R. SCOTS.

The ribbon suspender is a ring attached to a fastening that surmounts the medal.

The ribbon is crimson with three narrow white stripes. The stripes were added in 1916 and 1917, when the medal started to be used for bravery.

This example is in very fine condition, no damage that I can see.

The medal measures 1.4” (3.6cm) diameter and weighs 36g with the ribbon.

Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description.

Please note that this item is also being offered for sale on my own website BOAS Militaria at a lower price and therefore may be withdrawn at any time.

International bidders please contact me with your details, for a shipping quote BEFORE purchasing. 

Thank you for taking the time to look.