Imperial Service Order - Edward VII Issue

Instituted by King Edward VII as a means of rewarding long and faithful service in the Administrative and Clerical grades of the Civil Service at home and overseas.  Women were admitted to the order in 1908.  The order was awarded after at least 25 years service at home, 20 years and 6 months (India) and 16 years in the tropics, but in exceptional cases awards were made for "eminently meritorious service" irrespective of qualifying period.  No UK awards have been made since 1995, but some Commonwealth awards continue to this day.

The badge consists of a circular gold plaque bearing the royal cypher and surrounded by the words FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE.  This plaque is then superimposed on a seven-pointed silver star surmounted by a crown and ring for suspension. 

Instituted - August 1902

Ribbon - 38mm, three equal sections of crimson, blue and crimson.

Metal - Silver with gold overlay

Size - Height 61mm; maximum width 55mm