About Commemorative Medal for the Celebration of the 38th Birthday Anniversary, R.S. 110, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V)
Compiled from partner sources; under review and editing by our team.
Translated from Thai by AI and not yet reviewed by our team. Names and royal titles may need correction.
History
King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) reached the age of 38 in R.S. 110 (1891, B.E. 2434), and graciously commanded that a commemorative medal be made for presentation on this occasion. The medal also served as a prize for the winners of a competition in arranging offering tables (khrueang to bucha). Medals made in this year still show strong Chinese artistic influence, as seen in the octagonal shape, the loops on two sides, and the use of stylized Thai lettering imitating Chinese characters. Try reading it yourself; if you cannot make it out, see the answer in the specifications below.
The medal shown here is made of copper and is in unused condition. Note the soldered join at the loop, which is old-style lead solder.
Production (Information from the Treasury Department)
Made in 1891 (B.E. 2434, R.S. 110) to be presented as a prize for offering tables at the royal ceremony celebrating the ecclesiastical rank of Somdet Phra Sommanachao Krom Phraya Pavaresvariyalongkorn. This medal is commonly known as the "Hand Medal" (Rian Mue).
Design
- Obverse
- Stylized Thai lettering imitating Chinese characters, running around the medal, reads "การเฉลิมพระชนมพรรษา" (The Celebration of the Royal Birthday).
- Reverse
- Stylized Thai lettering imitating Chinese characters reads "ปี รัตนโกสินทร ศ๒๔ ๑๑๐" (Year of Rattanakosin Era 110).
