Note Type
2023 Inventory NotesNote
The Imperial Service Order was instituted in August 1902. It was awarded for long and meritorious service upon retirement to both administration and clerical staff of the Civil Service throughout the British Empire.
Normally, a person must have served for 25 years (at home), to become eligible, but this could be shortened to either 20 years and six months in India, or, 16 years for those serving in more challenging locations such as the tropics.
In exceptional circumstances, the award could be presented for ‘…eminently meritorious service’, regardless of length of service.
There was one class: Companion. Both men and from 1908) women were eligible, and recipients of this order are entitled to use the post-nominal letters 'ISO'.
The medal is of an eight point star design 55mm wide and 61mm in height and was struck in silver (with gold overlay) ensigned with a crown. In regards to the issue awarded to a male recipient, the obverse of this medal contains a central golden medallion and bears the cipher of the reigning monarch with the inscription; ‘FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE’.
Those issued to a female recipient, had the same medallion at the centre as in those issued to a male, but no surrounding stars, it was instead surrounded by a silver laurel wreath in bronze ensigned with a crown.
The reverse is plain but does contain the name of the recipient upon the upper portion.
The ribbon suspender is in the form of a ring that is attached to the crown that surmounts the medal.