Instituted on June 4, 1917 by King George V. Type I (1917-1937). Civil Division. An Order of the British Empire in silver gilt with blue enamelled arms and a surmounting crown suspension, the obverse medallion presents a seated Britannia surrounded by a red enamelled ring inscribed FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE, the reverse is plain with the center embossed with the crowned cypher of King George V, measures 62.25mm (w) x 85.25mm (h – inclusive of surmounting crown and integral ring), weighs 50.3 grams (inclusive on neck ribbon), unmarked, worn on full length purple civil division neck ribbon with simple hook and eye clasp, enamels intact, in overall extremely fine condition.
Contained in a wood and velvet case, interior lid marked ANC, removable interior velvet medalbed. Measures 193mm (w) x 108mm (l) x 32mm (d), lid sits slightly ajar from base, light wear to exterior velvet lid, hinge functional, in very fine condition.
Footnote: The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire was established by King George V in 1917 to recognize civilian war efforts in Great Britain and elsewhere in the British Empire. Military and civil divisions were established the following year. It has since grown into the most widely awarded order in the United Kingdom. There are 2 versions of the Commander. The first version dates from 1917 to 1937 and depicts an effigy of Britannia on the obverse medallion. The first version is worn from a purple ribbon. The Commander is worn by men on a neck ribbon and by women on a bow.