Rare Silver ‘Ancient Order of Foresters’ Medal (E. Pickering – Port Natal 1884)

This impressive, large, rare, sterling silver, Victorian ‘Ancient Order of Foresters’ award or medal is exceptionally well made with amazing detail and is a superb quality piece. It was presented in 1884 to ‘Past Chief Ranger, Brother Edward Pikering’ (Then deputy Mayor of Durban) in D’URBAN, PORT NATAL.’. The medal features a large unusual eight-sided star, beautifully engraved with floral detail, with a round, behind glass, fabulous gold or gilt cut-out insert of the ‘Foresters’ coat of arms against a green enamel background. It is topped with a stag’s head sitting on a crown above a handshake and below are dangling crossed arrows with a horn. While researching this, it appears that there were only thirty-five of these medals produced with an insert, of varying qualities of gold. This amazing medal is in superb condition with a lovely piece of early Port Natal history. It was made in 1865 in London by silversmiths ‘Ezekiel Loewenstark’ (EL) and the inscription on the back reads ‘A.O.F. PRESENTED TO PCR Bro. E Pickering, By the Members of Court Harbinger No. 3975. As a mark of Esteem as C.R. for 3 Years and Treasurer for 3 Years. D’URBAN. PORT NATAL. 1884’ The medal measures 20,5cm x 10cm x 1cm and weighs 156g.

NOTE: The Ancient Order of Foresters originated in England in 1834. The order acted as a fraternal benefit society, with a shared duty to assist their fellow men who fell into need ‘as they walked through the forest of life’. They are now known as the ‘Foresters Friendly Society’ with the same ethos.