The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, Civilian Division, Officer

SKU: 01.GBR.0113.108.01

Estimated market value:

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  • Officer (1938-) Obverse
  • Miniature Officer (1938-) (by Spink & Son Ltd.) Obverse
  • Miniature Officer (1917-1937) Obverse
  • Officer (1938-) Obverse
  • Miniature Officer (1938-) (by Spink & Son Ltd.) Obverse
  • Miniature Officer (1917-1937) Obverse
  • Officer (1938-) Reverse
  • Miniature Officer (1917-1937) Reverse
  • Officer (1938-) Reverse
  • Miniature Officer (1917-1937) Reverse

Attributes

  • country
    Great Britain
  • date of institution
    June 4, 1917

History


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 in the following year. It has since grown into the most widely awarded order in the United Kingdom. The Sovereign is the head of the Order and makes the appointment of the Grand Master.

The Order is currently conferred upon citizens of the United Kingdom in recognition of excellence in a number of areas of British public life, including the arts and culture, science, philanthropy, and public service. Membership in the first, second and third classes is limited, while membership in the fourth and fifth classes is limited to an annual contingent. Women have been admitted since its creation in 1917. Foreigners may also be admitted, but only as Honorary Members, and are not counted in statutory membership limits.

Members of the first class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters GBE, members of the second class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters KBE or DBE, members of the third class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters CBE, members of the fourth class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters OBE, and members of the fifth class are entitled to use the post-nominal letters MBE. Members of the first and second classes are also entitled to use the formal title “Sir” or “Dame.”

The motto of the Order is “FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE.”

There are 2 versions of the Officer. The first version dates from 1917 to 1937 and depicts an effigy of Britannia on the obverse medallion and is worn from a purple ribbon. The second version was introduced following the restructuring of the Order in 1937 and features the portraits of King George V and Queen Mary on the obverse medallion. The second version is worn from a red ribbon. The cypher of George V is featured on the reverse medallion of both versions.

The Officer is worn by men on a breast ribbon and by women on a bow.

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Versions

  • Price

    $225+ USD

  • Composition

    Silver gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE Rev: GRI

  • Size

    49x63mm

  • Maker

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item
  • Price

    $150 USD

  • Composition

    Silver-gilt

  • Inscription

    Obv: FOR GOD AND THE EMPIRE Rev: GRI

  • Size

    49x63mm

  • Maker

    Royal Mint, London; Royal Mint, Llantrisant

  • Version Remarks

  • View Item

Miniatures

  • Price

    $50-75 USD

  • Size

    19-20mm

  • Composition

    Silver gilt

  • Remarks

  • Price

    N/A

  • Size

    19-20mm

  • Composition

    Silver-gilt

  • Remarks

    The Miniature Officer (1938-) is courtesy of Medal-Medaille. Please see the following page for additional information: http://www.medal-medaille.com/sold/product_info.php?products_id=11056

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