Miniature oval silver medal on ornate fixed suspension of two laurel leaves with ‘INDIA’ clasp; the face with the crowned head and shoulders of King George V facing left, circumscribed ‘GEORGIVS•V•D:G•BRITT: OMN: REX•ET•INDIÆ•IMP:’ (George V by the Grace of God King of Great Britain and Emperor of India); the reverse inscribed ‘FOR / EFFICIENT / SERVICE’; height overall 27.68mm (1.09 inches), diameter 16.11mm (0.63 inch); age-toned; on original ribbon mounted for wear. The medal was instituted on 17 October 1930 to simplify the then existing awards, replacing the Territorial Efficiency Medal, the Militia Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and the equivalent awards issued by Commonwealth countries to other ranks in the volunteer forces. It was awarded for 12 years’ continuous efficient service (wartime service and also peace-time service in West Africa counting double). This first version bearing the head of King George V was replaced by that of King George VI in 1937 and thus had a life of just seven years. A good period miniature.
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