Orders - An order is an honour bestowed on an individual by a Head of State in the form of insignia, together with an entitlement for the honour to be included the holder's style of address. An example of this would be the inclusion or 'Sir' or 'Lady' preceding the name of the recipient.

Decorations - A decoration is a medal awarded for gallantry or distinguished service, generally in the uniformed services such as armed forces or police. Usually the recipient is entitled to use the initials (known as 'Post-Nominals') of the decoration after his or her name their style of address.

Medals - An individual is entitled to be granted a medal - for either uniformed or civilian service - if he or she fulfils the specific requirements for which that medal was issued. This can include military campaigns or periods of long and efficient service in a number of services and organisations.

In 2005 Spink published "A Manual for the Wearing of Orders, Decorations and Medals" to advise clients and those awarded Orders, Decorations and Medals on the correct methods of wearing said honours in all forms of dress from lounge suit to military uniform and from Morning Dress to White Tie. Also included are details on occasions for wear, the wearing of foreign orders & medals, and the official Order of Precedence.

Special Commissions are the wide range of items designed and made - to order - for clients. Such pieces are generally in precious metals and noble materials, supplied as commemorative awards and presentation gifts for special occasions.

Our Special Commissions service has developed out of our long-established insignia work for Heads-of-State, Governments and Defence Ministries; we currently produce a vast number of medals (both military and civilian) for nations around the world, in addition to commemorative & prize medals for many leading organisations and schools within the United Kingdom.

How to Order

After first-contact and expression of interest from the client, we then discuss the occasion for which the piece is required. With this input, a drawing is developed to incorporate the client's individual style and detail. A quotation is then prepared to create a piece distinctive for being the client's own and one-of-a-kind, appropriate in design and style for the occasion in which it is to be awarded or presented. We always treat our orders and commissions in the strictest confidence with a willingness to assist in as much detail as our client so desires.

Contact

For further information or to discuss your requirements, please contact Ian Copson or Robert Wilde-Evans, of Special Commissions & Medal Services. We also kindly remind our clients that we offer a valuation service for your collection: again, please contact us for further details.