General Service Medal (1962) with South Arabia and Borneo Clasps
Militaria - Campaign Medal · Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the official government-owned mint that produces coinage and military honors for the British Armed Forces.
Pattern: General Service Medal 1962 (GSM 62), circular 36mm diameter
Type
Militaria - Campaign Medal
Maker
Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the official government-owned mint that produces coinage and military honors for the British Armed Forces.
Material
Solid .925 Sterling Silver medal and clasps, purple and green silk/synthetic ribbon, steel mounting pin.
Dimensions
Medal diameter: 36mm. Total length with ribbon/clasps: approx 100mm. Weight: approx 35-40 grams including ribbon and clasps.
Description
A British General Service Medal 1962, a campaign medal awarded to personnel for service in minor conflicts where a separate medal was not issued. This piece features two significant campaign clasps: 'South Arabia' and 'Borneo'. The reverse shows the beautiful oak wreath design. This specific medal is highly collectible as it represents service in two distinct and difficult jungle and desert environments during the 1960s.
Key Features
Dual clasps (South Arabia/Borneo), Sterling Silver construction, Queen's Crown (St. Edward's Crown) above the text, and the distinct purple/green ribbon.
Material & Composition
Solid .925 Sterling Silver medal and clasps, purple and green silk/synthetic ribbon, steel mounting pin.
Finish & Decoration
Oxidized antique finish (patinated). Obverse features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II; Reverse (shown) features the words 'FOR CAMPAIGN SERVICE' topped by a Royal Crown within an oak leaf wreath. Top mounting is a fixed ornate swiveling suspender.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Usually no standard silver hallmarks like flatware; authenticity is verified by the naming on the rim (edge), which typically includes the recipient's service number, rank, name, and regiment/branch.
Construction Details
Die-struck medal disk. Clasps are individual silver bars attached via the ribbon. Suspender is cast and pinned to the medal. High-pressure minting process.
Functional Features
Single-pin brooch bar for chest mounting; swiveling suspender allows the medal to sit flat against the uniform; slide-on clasps indicating specific theaters of operation.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Features a standard military suspension bar and a pin-back mounting system for attachment to a jacket or tunic.
Craftsmanship Details
Exceptional die-work by the Royal Mint; sharp relief on the text and wreath, high-purity silver hallmark standards despite missing traditional 'lion' marks.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for clasp lettering, crisp die-striking of the wreath and crown, authentic ribbon color tones, and (critically) the engraved naming on the edge of the medal (not visible in photo but essential).
Origin & Manufacturing
London/Llantrisant, United Kingdom. Manufactured by the Royal Mint under royal warrant.
Era & Period
Modern British Military Era (Cold War). Specifically 1962-2007 design period.
Age Estimate
Circa 1964-1967 based on the 'South Arabia' (1964-67) and 'Borneo' (1962-66) clasps shown.
Cultural Significance
A symbol of the 'Small Wars' and the withdrawal from Empire, representing the service and sacrifice of British and Commonwealth veterans in post-WWII regional conflicts.
Condition Notes
Very Good/Fine condition. Heavy natural tarnish (patina) across silver surfaces. Ribbon shows light fraying and fading typical of age. Mounting pin is intact.
Value Estimate
Approximately $150–$250 USD (£120–£200). Value is highly dependent on the recipient's rank and regiment engraved on the rim.
Care & Maintenance
Do not over-polish; the dark patina is often preferred by militaria collectors. Use a dry soft cloth. Keep away from humidity to prevent ribbon rot. Store in an acid-free medal envelope.
Similar Pieces
1918 GSM (purple/black ribbon), 2008 Operational Service Medal (OSM), or campaign-specific medals like the South Atlantic Medal.
Interesting Facts
The GSM 1962 replaced the separate Army/RAF and Navy GSMs to create a unified medal for all branches. The 'Borneo' clasp was for service during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation.