Order of the British Empire (OBE) Miniature Medal - Civil Division Sterling Silver
Jewelry (Military Miniature Insignia / Medal) · Royal Mint / Spink & Son Ltd. (Typical contractors for UK honours). These institutions are the primary authorities for British state decorations.
Pattern: Order of the British Empire (OBE) Civil Division Miniature Medal
Type
Jewelry (Military Miniature Insignia / Medal)
Maker
Royal Mint / Spink & Son Ltd. (Typical contractors for UK honours). These institutions are the primary authorities for British state decorations.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) with a parcel-gilt (gold-plated) center. Traditional miniatures from mid-century were often struck in sterling rather than base metal.
Dimensions
Diameter: approximately 18mm to 20mm. Weight: approximately 3-5 grams. This is the standard 'miniature' scale for evening dress wear.
Description
A miniature representation of the Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE). This bimetallic piece was intended for formal 'black tie' or 'white tie' events where full-sized medals are inappropriate.
Key Features
Concentric dual-tone design; specific 'For God and the Empire' circular text; portraits of George V and Queen Mary; significantly smaller than the 45mm full-sized cross.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) with a parcel-gilt (gold-plated) center. Traditional miniatures from mid-century were often struck in sterling rather than base metal.
Finish & Decoration
Bimetallic appearance with a silver outer ring and gilded center. Features the effigies of King George V and Queen Mary in the center, surrounded by the motto 'FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually unmarked due to size, but may have a 'SILVER' or '.925' stamp on the reverse. Official British miniatures of this era rarely carried full London hallmarks unless privately commissioned.
Construction Details
Die-struck with high-pressure machinery to ensure crispness of the lettering; features a central medallion disc likely cold-pressed or soldered into the outer silver surround.
Functional Features
Designed to be suspended from a pink ribbon with grey edges (Civil Division). Top loop or suspension ring is missing in this photo.
Handle & Grip Details
None; however, the lack of a suspension ring suggests the mounting point has been sheared or broken off of the top rim.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality die-striking evidenced by the legible motto despite the item's small diameter; clear distinction between the bimetallic components.
Authentication Indicators
Correct strike of the motto and portraits; metal reaction consistent with silver sulfide (tarnish); scale is consistent with British miniature standards.
Origin & Manufacturing
United Kingdom; likely manufactured in London or Birmingham by official royal court jewelers or the Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Modern Era / Mid-Twentieth Century. This specific design featuring the joint portraits of George V and Queen Mary was introduced in 1937.
Age Estimate
Circa 1937–Present. Given the tarnish and wear, this likely dates to the 1950s-1970s.
Cultural Significance
Represents the highest aspirations of British civic duty and service; the OBE is a globally recognized honor bestowed upon figures in arts, science, and charity.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition. Significant heavy oxidation and tarnish (sulfide deposits) on the silver; the gilding on the central portraits is wearing or chemically reacted; missing the suspension loop and ribbon.
Value Estimate
$20 - $45 USD. Value is significantly impacted by the missing suspension loop and the heavy tarnish/wear.
Care & Maintenance
Gentle cleaning with a silver polishing cloth. Avoid liquid dips which can strip the thin gold wash on the central portraits. Store in a tarnish-resistant pouch.
Similar Pieces
MBE (Member) miniatures which are usually solid silver without the gilding; CBE (Commander) miniatures which are usually larger and enameled.
Interesting Facts
The OBE was established by King George V in 1917 to honor non-combatant contributions to the war effort; it was the first British order to include women.