Material: Sterling silver
Size: 27 mm × 30 mm
Description: This historic medallion was awarded by the Welsh branch of the Venerable Order of St John to recognize Arthur Nicholls for completing advanced qualifications with the St John Ambulance Association. The front design features a finely detailed Maltese cross ringed by a polished band bearing the raised capital inscription "ORDER OF ST JOHN PRIORY FOR WALES". Branching outward into four symmetrical lobes are distinct heraldic emblems of Welsh culture: a walking dragon at the top, a daffodil at the base, and dual three-leaved leeks flanking the sides.
Reverse: The smooth reverse side is custom-engraved with the recipient's name across the upper arch and his unique regional registration details, "WA / 1883," inside the core. It is anchored by official British silver stamps on the top lobe—including the lion passant for .925 sterling purity and the Birmingham anchor city mark—while the maker mark "A.S.&Co" for jeweler Arthur Saunders & Co sits crisply at the base.
Circa: 1920-1950
Notes:
The specific markings on this medal turn it into an exceptional genealogical and historical archive. The "WA" prefix on the reverse stands explicitly for the Wales Association, confirming that Arthur Nicholls was a dedicated local volunteer who repeatedly passed his rigorous annual first aid and field re-examination trials.