Help identifying military medal

Discussion in 'Militaria' started by Coinanthebarbarian, Oct 8, 2021.

  1. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member

    5EB03A54-2D2B-4D49-8E3F-F7B91DC11B0C.jpeg Hi all,
    I am a collector of all things coins and militaria. I am having some troubles identifying a little medal in my collection, and am wondering if anyone could possibly help?

    I have had this little medal in my collection for quite some time, but I know NOTHING about it. I’ve tried to do some research, contacted various museums, made some posts to different online forums, and have taken it into my regular militaria & antique shops.

    No one has ever seen or heard of this medal before, which is really weird.

    I am was wondering if anyone could lead me in the right direction to identifying this medal, or even if they have one themselves!

    Here is what the text reads:
    ‘South African & Active Service Association’

    One kind member on another forum pointed out that the figure on the right appears to be wearing a naval uniform, the one on the left is wearing an army uniform, while the middle is wearing a ‘light horse’ uniform.

    I am more than happy to provide more/ clearer photos if needed!

    Any help would be very much appreciated.

    Regards,

    Coinanthebarbarian
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 9, 2021
    LauraGarnet02 likes this.
  2. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

  3. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Yes,these Active Service Association medals/badges were issued after soldiers returned from the Boer War.
     
  4. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

  5. moreotherstuff

    moreotherstuff Izorizent

    Might be a specifically Australian thing.
    https://monumentaustralia.org.au/th...33452-south-african-boer-war-memorial/photo/5

    Complete arrangements have been made, said the hon. secretary of the South African Patriotic Memorial Fund (Mr. F. Leslie Bruford) yesterday, for the unveiling of the war memonal on St Kilda road, opposite Domain road, on Sunday. The memorial will be unveiled by His Excellency the Governor (Lord Stradbroke), and addresses will afterwards be given by the Minister for Defence (Mr. Bowden), the Inspector General of the Commonwealth Military Forces (Lieut. General Sir Harry Chauvel). Lieut. Colonel Mclnerney, and the president of the South African Active Service Association (Mr. G. E. Elliott). The chairman of the fund (Mr Richard Allen) will then hand over the monument to the mayor of South Melbourne (Councillor Jones), and the mayor will reply. The prayer and benediction will be given by the Rev A. T. Holden, and Corporal T. Johnston, R. A. G. A., and Trooper H. L.Watson 5th V.M.R. will sound the Last Post. It is interesting to recall that Corporal Johnston and Trooper Watson have sounded the Last Post at the annual South African war memorial service for more than 20 years.
     
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  6. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member

    I contacted this place via their ‘contact’ part on their website. They haven’t seen my version before.

    One of the dealers I took it in to show suggested that this was perhaps a prototype design made before they switched over to those badges.

    Thanks so much for your help.

    I really appreciate it.
     
    LauraGarnet02 and Boland like this.
  7. evelyb30

    evelyb30 Well-Known Member

    I'd hang onto it if I were you. Some of those tribute pieces sell for decent money in the right market.
     
  8. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member


    Oooo, hopefully it does turn out to be something valuable.
    if not, still a cool piece with some good history behind it. :)
     
    LauraGarnet02 likes this.
  9. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member

    Thanks so much for your help. :)
    I’ll contact them now & see if they know.
     
  10. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    That sounds very good!
     
    LauraGarnet02 likes this.
  11. daveydempsey

    daveydempsey Moderator Moderator

    The website has a forum , so someone will know.
     
  12. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Very interesting and seems
    rare. Hope to learn more. The crown definitely links to the British Empire (I would think)The figures also looks like constables with batton sticks (but that’s just to me) Maybe its a badge?
     
  13. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

  14. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    LauraGarnet02 likes this.
  15. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member

    I agree, that crown does look very similar.

    I’m not sure if you can see it from the photos, but on the front under the word, ‘association’ are 2 dates: 1899 & 1902, so I am assuming it’s Boer War period?

    I inherited this medal, along with a few other items from my Great-Grampy.
    My Great-Grampy was born in 1914, so he wouldn’t have got it if it’s Boer War period. I’m not sure if his father served in the Boer War, but perhaps my Great-Grampy got it from his father, who got it after serving in the Boer War, or traded it with someone who did serve?

    I’ll contact ‘ http://www.southafricanmilitaria.com/ ‘ now and see if they know anything about it. :)

    Thanks again for your help.

    Kind Regards,

    ‘Coinanthebarbarian’
     
    Boland likes this.
  16. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Didn’t see the dates. Boer war period makes sense linked to what you say about your family history. Hopefully it’s rare and hopefully someone knows. Please update us if you get any information on it. Thanks
     
    Coinanthebarbarian likes this.
  17. Coinanthebarbarian

    Coinanthebarbarian New Member

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 10, 2021
    LauraGarnet02 and Boland like this.
  18. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    Wow maybe WW1? And rare! Sounds like good news all
    round :). Thanks for the update
     
  19. komokwa

    komokwa The Truth is out there...!

    whoa;;;;;;
    no ones seen it before..... not always a good sign....:confused::confused:

    & rare.....is an undercooked steak...:hilarious:
     
  20. Boland

    Boland Well-Known Member

    I still favour them odds all day long!
     
    Coinanthebarbarian likes this.
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