Description
Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers Decoration, VR, in fitted case of issue, hallmarked 1901, by Garrard.
Fitted with original silver brooch pin, in a fitted R&S Garrard & Co case.
Unworn and a perfect type example.
Hallmarked “SG” for Garrard and dated “f” for 1901 production in London.
This decoration was established circa May 1899, in recognition for long and meritorious service as a part-time commissioned officer in any of the organised Military Forces of the British Colonies, Dependencies and Protectorates.
Previous to this point, since 1894, Colonial Recipients would receive a slightly different “VRI” cypher Volunteer Officers Decoration for this service.
This exact issue was short lived, established in Mid 1899, only a few would meet the criteria for award before the upcoming death of Queen Victoria, it being replaced by the King Edward VII version less than 3 years later.
Service required for the award was 20 years of long service in any of the Colonial Auxiliary Forces.
The decorations were issued unnamed originally like this, with some Officers choosing to naming them in the space on the reverse.
