*British, Imperial Service Medal, Elizabeth II 1954-2022 (Version Six), Awarded to Henry Arthur Lovell, with Ribbon*
The Imperial Service Medal is associated with the Imperial Service Order and was instituted by King Edward VII on 8 August 1902 to recognize the achievements of civil servants in the United Kingdom and overseas. It was awarded to civil servants who had served the Crown loyally and with merit for at least 25 years. The first awards were announced in the London Gazette in May 1903.
In 1920, the medal’s design was revised to its current form: a circular silver medal, 32 mm in diameter, featuring the effigy of the reigning sovereign on the obverse. There are six versions to date. This example, the sixth version, is inscribed with “Elizabeth II, 1954-2022. Inscribed ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F.D.” representing Queen Elizabeth II (1954–2022). The reverse shows a nude male figure resting from his labours, with the inscription “For Faithful Service.” The recipient’s name, Henry Arthur Lovell, is impressed on the medal’s rim.
The medal is awarded upon retirement to selected civil servants, primarily in manual and industrial grades, including HM Dockyard workers and, before 1969, Post Office employees. Prison officers were eligible until the creation of the Prison Services Long Service Medal in 2010. Recipients must complete at least 25 years of meritorious service, though this was reduced to 20½ years in India before its independence in 1947 and 16 years in unhealthy climates elsewhere.
*Condition*
Good used condition. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
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