Salvation Army Medals

There is an increasing interest in medals awarded by the Salvation Army and a new one came to light recently. Dr Glenn Horridge, widely regarded as the expert on this topic, was asked to comment on the authenticity of what had been described as a Salvation Army medal. Sceptical at first, Glenn was able to advise the international medal house selling the item that indeed, it was a rare Salvation Army medal.

Research shows that the Life Savings Guides and Scouts had a bravery award in the second and third decade of the twentieth century.  There were three levels of this award: a silver medal and certificate, bronze medal and certificate, and a certificate. Lindsay Cox, Australia Southern Territory’s archivist tell us that he has two of the certificates and one silver and one bronze medal in their Collection. Some Year Books carry short sections on who was awarded each medal and by analysing these, it appears that no more than 30 of each medal were awarded and this makes it a rare item. SAHPA would like to hear if anyone has an example of the medal or certificate.

Another rare medal for sale was General Carpenter’s 50 years of service medal. General Carpenter was the first Australian Salvationists to be elected General. The award is especially rare as it was only awarded between 1931 and the early 1950s. Australia Southern Territory purchased it on ebay for around $1,300 Australian dollars.

Also seen recently was Mrs General Carpenter’s Twenty-Five year Long Service Medal along with her three ‘mother’s stars’.

SAHPA is often asked to advise on prices and with the Long-Service Awards, it does depend on rank and whether any form of service record can be found. Some dealers ask ‘silly money’ as in the recent case of an Adjutant’s medal, purchased on eBay by a dealer for a little over £70 mark, and now on sale for £230! Do feel free to ask for value first, before buying or bidding.