South African General Service Medal 1989 Miniature Original SADF Campaign Award
Original miniature South African General Service Medal, as issued for operational service during the late SADF border war era. The medal was instituted by the Republic of South Africa in 1987 and could be awarded to members of the South African Defence Force for operational service inside South Africa from 1 January 1983, in the prevention or suppression of terrorism or internal disorder.
The obverse depicts the castle emblem of the South African Defence Force, partly surrounded by a wreath of leaves. The reverse features the pre-1994 South African coat of arms with the words "GENERAL SERVICE" at left and "ALGEMENE DIENS" at right around the perimeter, with the medal number stamped underneath. The ribbon would be 32 millimetres wide, with dark blue, white and orange bands, but this example is sold as pictured
Miniature versions of this medal were privately purchased by officers and warrant officers for mess dress or miniature medal bar displays. Recipients who were Mentioned in Dispatches during such operational service were entitled to wear a miniature coat of arms on the ribbon, but this example does not include that device.
A superb addition for:
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SADF / Border War collectors
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South African militaria specialists
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Modern campaign medal enthusiasts
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Miniature medal display collections
Condition: Good overall for age. Fine detail visible on the obverse castle emblem and reverse bilingual inscription. Please examine photographs carefully for exact condition.
A desirable miniature of a lateera South African campaign medal ideal for a replacement ribbon project or a lowercost example.
Note: The 1989 issue year refers to the 1986pattern ribbon and the specific batch of medals produced in that period. The Southern Africa Medal (also instituted 1987 for crossborder operations) was a distinct award with red/yellow/black/white ribbon.
