Item #GB7854
Two-piece construction, in frosted silver, reverse hallmarked with the British lion, marked with a leopard's head (made in London), date marked "d" (1919) and maker marled "SG" (Garrard and Company Limited of London), measuring 48.5 mm (w) x 62.3 mm (h), light contact, on its original type I civil ribbon with pinback, near extremely fine. In its hardshelled case of issue, black pebbled leather-look exterior, inscribed "M.B.E." in gold-coloured ink on the lid, inside lid in white satin, padded and maker marked "GARRARD & Co. Ltd. / 24,ALBEMARIE St., LONDON" base with a recessed and slotted medal bed in off-white felt, push release, dual-hinged, measuring 137 mm (w) x 67 mm (h) x 21.7 mm (d), light discoloration evident in the white felt on the medal bed, case also near extremely fine.
Footnote: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chivalry, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organisations, and public service outside the civil service. It was established on June 4, 1917 by King George V and comprises five classes across both civil and military divisions, with the most senior two classes making the recipient either a knight if male or dame if female. There is also the related British Empire Medal, whose recipients are affiliated with, but not members of the order. Recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire were originally made on the nomination of the United Kingdom, the self-governing Dominions of the Empire (later Commonwealth) and the viceroy of India. Nominations continued into the twenty-first century by the former Commonwealth countries that participated in recommending British (Imperial) honours. Most Commonwealth countries ceased recommendations for appointments to the Order of the British Empire when they created their own honours.