St George badge

[lynkearsley]

I am trying to identify a badge picked up in a jumble sale years ago. It is made from a soft grey metal. I can bend it. St George on horseback slaying a dragon is moulded onto a "sunburst" background with (what looks like) two crossed ribbons. On the back there is a small crest with "1817" engraved above it. The badge has been altered on the back to be used as a brooch. I suspect it is military (or a replica of a military badge). Can anyone shed some light? Many thanks.

I have created and posted an album titled "St George Badge" with photos.

[wright241]

Originally Posted by lynkearsley

I am trying to identify a badge picked up in a jumble sale years ago. It is made from a soft grey metal. I can bend it. St George on horseback slaying a dragon is moulded onto a "sunburst" background with (what looks like) two crossed ribbons. On the back there is a small crest with "1817" engraved above it. The badge has been altered on the back to be used as a brooch. I suspect it is military (or a replica of a military badge). Can anyone shed some light? Many thanks.

Need pictures to help you with this one

[lynkearsley]

Hello
Thanks for your reply. I have taken photos and created an album titled "St George Badge". My camera is very basic - so not top quality photos I'm afraid.
Lyn

[wright241]

Originally Posted by lynkearsley

Hello
Thanks for your reply. I have taken photos and created an album titled "St George Badge". My camera is very basic - so not top quality photos I'm afraid.
Lyn

Lyn,
Just had a look at your album. Nice badge but totally blurred.
Suggest you use some sort of tripod (there should be a screw hole at the bottom of the camera for mounting it) and an elapsed timer. This always works for me. Personally, I have never been able to take sharp, hand-held photo's of badges in any other way - and I don't think its age related...
David

[lancashirefusilier]

Hello David and Lyn

If the St George is sitting on a Maltese cross(I think it is) and not ribbons then the symbolism and date comes up with the following:

The badge is related to The Order of St John of Jerusalem and issued by The Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

The significance of the date is related to a Russian decree and prohibition of their officer class wearing a Roman Catholic order issued by a foreign power.Hence I think the date is a nineteenth century two fingers to you mate!

The church seemingly persecuted at the beginning and at the end of that fatefull decade.

A kick in the Bolsheviks anyone?

Happy days

Dave

[lynkearsley]

Thanks for your reply (Lancashire fusilier)
I do believe that the horseman is not placed directly on the ribbons. He is on what looks like the points of a maltese cross.
I am still trying to get my granddaughter to come and take a better photo - she is otherwise occupied at the moment. But hope reigns eternal.

The interesting thing is now that I reflect on where the medal came from - it may have come from my late father's collection and not a jumble sale. For some reason the term "St John of Jerusalem" rings a memory bell. My father and his father belonged to some sort of secret society. Although, all they seemed to do was drink and sing. My father was very pro-russian and often talked about wishing he could send me there for "better opportunities". So glad he couldn't !!! Shame he passed without giving me more information.

Many Regards
Lyn