Order White Elephant

[Steve Flanagan]

Okay guys , todays show find is this medal which the owner had made into a pinback broach, but still has the faded red case and ribbon which I havent seen yet, is this an India or Thailand medal or what? Help appreciated please!

[Steve Flanagan]

2

2

[Steve Flanagan]

3

3

[Jim Woods]

It is Thailand.

[Steve Flanagan]

Medal

I bought the medal today along with a load of WWII German items from the vets son, who stated that his father snagged this medal while advancing in Germany and that it "belonged to a Prussian" which must be an interesting story, has faded red box with interesting plaque on it and minty ribbon still rolled up in case. Any ideas as to what specific medal or level I have here.

[Steve Flanagan]

Medal box

Plaque

[Steve Flanagan]

Close up

Closeup

[Steve Flanagan]

zoom

Thanks guys!

[peter monahan]

The Most Exalted Order or the White Elephant
Founded by HM King Mongkut Rama IV in 1861 and remodelled by HM King Chulalongkorn Rama V on 29th December 1869. Awarded in five classes and two medals to both gentlemen and ladies. The order was originally modelled on the French system with classes arranged as Grand Cordon, Grand Officer, Commander, Officer and Knight. However, the increasing unpopularity of France led to a change more in keeping with British practice. The officers of the order are the Sovereign and Chief of the Order (HM The King), the Grand Master (usually a high ranking Prince of the blood Royal), the Chancellor, Secretary and King-at-Arms.

Apparently what you have there is the badge of a Commander of the Order: the third rank of five. There is one on e-bay currently with a reserve of about L500. Lucky guy!

Peter

[Steve Flanagan]

Badge

Thanks Peter and Jim!

[Randy J]

I bought the medal today along with a load of WWII German items from the vets son, who stated that his father snagged this medal while advancing in Germany and that it "belonged to a Prussian" which must be an interesting story, has faded red box with interesting plaque on it and minty ribbon still rolled up in case. Any ideas as to what specific medal or level I have here.

There was a long tradition of Thais being sent for training amongst the courts in Europe, and pre-WWII many Europeans came to Thailand as military instructors. The WWII wartime Thai government was "officially" part of the Axis coalition, and if memory serves me correctly, a few Thais actually served under German command in the European theater.

[Steve Flanagan]

Medal

Thanks, thats interesting!

[peter monahan]

Now that would have been an interesting unit to have seen, on parade or in action! Perhaps like the "Free India" volunteers - they actually did reach company strength but I'd be very surprised if more than that! Is there any info. anywheer on them?

(The Azad Hind unit - recruited from POW camps after the North African - eventually became part of an anti-aircraft artillery regiment and may even have fired shots in anger. Not soemthing anyone wants to talk about much these days!)

Peter