Badge of the Certificate of Honour. EIIR issue, for the Crown Colony of 'Seychelles'. A type II 'Seychelles' breast badge 1965-1976

Important: This badge type was only awarded between 1965-1976 in which latter year the award became obsolete when Seychelles gained its Independence and became the Republic of the Seychelles

- Maker: Royal Mint

- Metal: Silver Gilt

- Designer: Mr. Arthur James John Ayres, F.R.B.S.

- Dimensions: 36mm

- Weight: 26g

The Indian Ocean Crown Colony of Seychelles, only awarded the insignia of the 'Badges of the Certificate of Honour' between 1955 to 1976. Prior to 1955, Seychelles had not been a participating Colony to the Certificate of Honour Scheme. The award became obsolete in the Seychelles in 1976, in which year Seychelles gained its 'Independence' and became Republic of the Seychelles. During it's short existence - and uncommonly for awards only issued during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II - two different types of badges were awarded, firstly the issue with reverse design by Mr E. Carter Preston, that was issued 1955-1965, and secondly the issue with reverse design by Mr. A.J. J. Ayres, F.R.B.S., that was awarded 1965-1976

Reference annual Royal Mint Report, issue dated 1955, which includes an illustration of the reverse design of the Seychelles award;

Quote,

Two further territories, Mauritius and Seychelle notified their desire to participate in the Badge of Honour scheme. These badges which accompany certificates of honour for local dignitaries, bear her majesty's crowned effigy on the obverse, and a design representative of the territory on the reverse

Unquote.

Reference the annual Royal Mint Report, issue dated 1965, for an illustration of the second type reverse design of the Seychelles reward:

Quote,

A new reverse design for this badge, based on the redesigned Crest f the Colony, was modelled by Mr. A.J.J. Ayres, F.R.B.S. - The design shows in the foreground a palm or coco-de-mer and a giant tortoise, and in the background a sailing ship, representing the type of schooner, which plys between the islands, together with part of the landscape, together with part of the landscape of the harbour of Victoria. The surrounding inscription reads 'Seychelles' 'Finis. Coronat. Opus.'

Unquote.

All British colonial era decorations, awards and medals, awarded for Seychelles service are extremely rare on the market (there was never any Efficiency Medals or Decorations with bar 'Seychelles' struck or issued)

An excessively rare - and beautifully designed - item of Colonial insignia, and thus far the only recorded example brought to sale on the medal market

Condition: Minor marks, otherwise about EF

Code: 23945