A Thai Rama V Royal Household Merit Medal 2nd Class, c. 1900
Item #W4121
Silver, 31.3 mm, original ribbon, bruised, contact marks, better than very fine.
Footnote: Phra Bat Somdet Phra Poraminthra Maha Chulalongkorn Phra Chunla Chom Klao Chao Yu Hua or Rama V for short, was the fifth monarch of Siam under the House of Chakri and lived from September 20, 1853 to October 23, 1910, reigning as monarch from November 11, 1868 to October 23, 1910. He is considered one of the greatest kings of Siam. His reign was characterized by the modernization of Siam, immense government and social reforms, and territorial cessions to the British Empire and French Indochina. As Siam was threatened by Western expansionism, Chulalongkorn, through his policies and acts, managed to save Siam from being colonized. All his reforms were dedicated to ensuring Siam’s survival in the midst of Western colonialism, with Chulalongkorn earning the epithet "Phra Piya Maharat" (The Great Beloved King).
Footnote: A similar medal was sold in auction for £1500 at: http://www.london-medals.co.u