The Imperial Service Medal (ISM) was instituted in 1902 to honour long and faithful service by civil servants in the United Kingdom and across the British Empire. Presented upon retirement, the George VI version was awarded to individuals in non-managerial or manual grades who completed at least 25 years of meritorious service. The glittering silver disc symbolises the Crown’s gratitude for dedicated service during a time of global change and challenge.
Awarded to retiring civil servants in support or industrial roles—such as dockyard workers, postal staff (prior to 1969) and other junior grades—who completed 25 years of meritorious, pensionable service. For service in India before independence, the threshold was reduced to 20½ years; in unhealthy climates, it was lowered to 16 years. The award is granted by departmental recommendation and announced in the London Gazette.:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
From 1920 onward, the ISM took the form of a circular silver medal, approximately 32 mm in diameter. The obverse features the effigy of King George VI with the inscription GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP:. The reverse depicts a naked male figure at rest from his labours, above the legend FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE. The recipient’s name is impressed on the rim.:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
The medal hangs from a ribbon consisting of three equal vertical stripes—crimson, dark blue, crimson—symbolising loyalty and the Crown’s enduring support.:contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
SPECIFICATIONS:If you order your medal unmounted, the medal and ribbon will be supplied as separate components. Miniature medals will be supplied with 15cm of ribbon and full size medals will be supplied with 30cm of ribbon.
The court mounting of medals involves securing medals to a stiff backing board, along with the placement of a brooch fitting on the board. This ensures that the medals remain firmly in place and do not shift or move about while being worn.
It is mandatory for active members of the Australian Defence Force to have their medals court mounted, as it is considered the appropriate method of presenting military honours in a professional and respectful manner. By doing so, the medals are given proper recognition and are displayed in a neat and organized fashion.The swing mounting of medals refers to the attachment of a medal to a ribbon that is allowed to hang freely from a brooch, which in turn is affixed to a uniform or clothing. This mounting style was commonly used for medals from the Boer War up to and including World War II, although there are no fixed guidelines or regulations regarding its use.
Miniature Court Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
Miniature Swing Mounted medals are mounted using the same method as Full size medals, yet they are typically worn to ceremonies were wearing full size medals would be impractical. These medals are commonly worn to all ceremonies that take place after 6 pm such as dinners.
A ribbon bar is a small, rectangular display of ribbons worn on military uniforms to represent various honours and awards earned by the wearer. These ribbons are arranged in a specific order and are attached to a backing, which is then attached to the uniform. Ribbon bars are a compact and convenient way for military personnel to display their achievements and are often used in situations where a full-sized medal or award would be impractical.
MagnaRack® is a revolutionary magnetic system designed to make medal and ribbon mounting easier, faster, and more secure. Whether you're in the military, a veteran, part of an emergency service, or proudly wearing a loved one's medals, MagnaRack eliminates the hassle of traditional pins that damage uniforms. The system is incredibly easy to use, perfect for those with limited dexterity, and ideal for elderly users who find small pins difficult to handle.
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