Discover an important piece of British military history with this original Volunteer Long Service Medal associated with the reign of Queen Victoria. Awarded in recognition of long and meritorious service in the Volunteer Force, this historic medal represents the dedication of volunteer soldiers who served within the British military system during the Victorian era.
Featuring the crowned bust of Queen Victoria on the obverse and a wreath-framed inscription on the reverse, the medal reflects the traditional design and symbolism of British military awards. Its historical connection to the Volunteer Force makes it an appealing collectible for enthusiasts of British military history, Victorian memorabilia, and imperial-era decorations.
OBVERSE:
Features the crowned bust of Queen Victoria, surrounded by the royal inscription. The portrait represents the monarch under whose reign the British Volunteer Force developed as an important element of national defence.
REVERSE:
Displays a wreath surrounding the inscription:
“FOR LONG SERVICE IN THE VOLUNTEER FORCE”
The wording identifies the medal’s purpose as recognition of extended service within the Volunteer Force.
MEDAL DETAILS:
Country: Great Britain
Monarch: Queen Victoria
Type: Volunteer Long Service Medal
Award Category: Military Long Service
Metal: Silver, as described
Obverse Design: Crowned Bust of Queen Victoria
Reverse Inscription: “For Long Service in the Volunteer Force”
Period: Victorian Era / Late 19th Century
Condition: Original historical medal, subject to inspection
HISTORICAL BACKGROUND:
The British Volunteer Force developed during the 19th century as a part-time volunteer military organisation supporting national defence. Its members included civilians who undertook military training and service alongside their regular occupations. Long-service medals recognised sustained commitment and contribution to the organisation.
NUMISMATIC AND MILITARY SIGNIFICANCE:
Military service medals preserve the history of individual service, military institutions, and the traditions of official recognition. The Queen Victoria portrait and the Volunteer Force inscription make this medal particularly relevant to collections of Victorian military awards and British imperial-era memorabilia.
COLLECTOR’S APPEAL:
• Historic British Volunteer Force long-service award
• Features Queen Victoria’s crowned portrait
• Reverse inscription specifically identifies Volunteer Force service
• Associated with Victorian-era military history
• Suitable for collections of British medals, military decorations, and historical memorabilia
A distinctive historical medal commemorating the service and dedication of Britain’s volunteer soldiers during the Victorian era.