WW1. Pair. J M Fraser. BWM & Badge of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers
£169.00
British War 1914-20 (J. M. Fraser); Badge of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers (John Mathison Fraser Esq: Master. 1920 - 7.), in box of issue by Harman & Lambert, silver-gilt, 40mm approx, good very fine (2) Livery company medals are rare to the market.
John saw service during the war as an administrator with the British committee of the French red cross. He is also entitled to a victory medal.
John Mathison Fraser is listed on the Roll of the Worshipful Company of Girdlers as a New Freeman in March 1889.
An interesting individual and worthy of further research
In City of London companies 'liverymen' traditionally wore a gown and hood to gain entry to the Common Hall, or assembly, at the Guildhall. By the 1760s liverymen were showing a reluctance to wear the traditional gown and so badges were introduced by many companies.
Company Masters continued to wear their gowns until the later 19th century when they were issued with badges of office. John Mathison Fraser was a Master of the Girdlers' Company in 1920-1921. The badge features the Company's coat of arms, a shield with three gridirons on it, and the motto 'Give Thanks to God'. The design also features Saint Lawrence the Martyr, the patron saint of Girdlers. The shield of the City of London can be seen above.
