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Miniature circular silver medal with laterally pierced ball suspension; the face with a crowned mantle bearing the letter ‘J’ (for Juliana); the reverse with the crowned national coat of arms imposed on an array of trophies and inscribed ‘VOOR TROUWE DIENST’ (For faithful service); on original somewhat grubby ribbon mounted for wear; the medal with age patination and some wear rubbing to the reverse; diameter 16mm (⅝ inch). The Decoration, usually referred to as the Medaille voor Trouwe Dienst (Medal for Faithful Service), was instituted by King Willem I on 19 February 1825 to reward long and faithful service by professional soldiers and sailors below the rank of officer. The silver medal was gained after 24 years’ service. The medal originally had the letter ‘W’ on the face for its founder but this was changed to a ‘J’ on 25 January 1951 for Queen Juliana. (The ‘W’ was reinstated on 1 January 1984).
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