Size: Collar 50.0 cm / Badge 67.6 x 50.1 x 3.8 mm / Case 35.5 x 14.0 x 3.0 cm
Weight: 193.2 g
Manufactured by: Royal Mint
Provenance: Aberdeen Medals 2023
This is a “Queen’s Medal for Native Chiefs,” issued between AD 1952 and AD 1960 during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. It was awarded by the British Empire to tribal leaders in colonial territories across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific regions. The medal served as a demonstration of imperial authority and to reward and foster alliances with chiefmen who contributed to the governance and stability of these colonies.
The medal was issued in two classes: the first class was made of silver-gilt, while the second class was crafted in silver. It was awarded successively during the reigns of King George V, King George VI, and Queen Elizabeth II.
During the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, there were two different versions of the medal. The first type is the large necklace, which is part of the collection here. The second type, introduced in AD 1954, is smaller in size and worn on a yellow-and-white ribbon on the chest. Recipients were given the choice between the two versions. According to records from the Royal Mint, by the 1960s, most recipients opted for the smaller second type.
The medal consists of a large collar worn across the chest, primarily composed of three elements: five-petal floral ornaments, crowns, and Queen Elizabeth II’s monogram “EIIR.” Suspended at the bottom of the collar is an oval-shaped medal. The obverse of the medal features a right-facing bust of Queen Elizabeth II, crowned, with the inscription “QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND” surrounding the portrait. Below the image is a floral motif used as decoration.
The reverse of the medal depicts a fully armed dreadnought battleship, symbolising the military strength of the British Empire. Behind the battleship are two civilian vessels, while the distant horizon reveals rolling hills, palm trees, and an Islamic-style domed building. Above the scene shines a radiant sun. The medal’s border is adorned with symmetrical shields and lion motifs, with two lions flanking and supporting a crown at the top.
This collar is stored in its original black leather case, which features a gilt monogram of Queen Elizabeth II on the exterior. The interior is lined with elegant purple velvet.
After the end of World War II, many indigenous chiefs from Sarawak and North Borneo who assisted the Allies in resisting the Japanese invaders were awarded medals bearing the likenesses of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II as recognition for their contributions. The most notable recipient was Temenggong Koh, a Dayak chief from Sarawak.
物件編號: M393
年代: 公元 1952-1960 年
材質: 銀鍍金
尺寸: 項鍊 50.0 cm / 獎章 67.6 x 50.1 x 3.8 mm / 盒子 35.5 x 14.0 x 3.0 cm