New York Long and Faithful Service Medal

[Twillie2]

Hello Fellow Militaria Collectors, Researchers and Caretakers;

I have a question regarding the NY Long & Faithful Service Medal (NYLFSM). The NYLFSM I have is in the form of a neck cravat with a wreath containing a bar with "10 YEARS" on it. Attached to the wreath is a star that has on each arm a different branch: Infantry, Signals, Navy, Artillery, Cavalry. The reverse has a serial number and the makers logo.

My question is: when a person who was awarded an NYLFSM for 10 Years service qualifies for the award for 15 years service, was that person awarded a new star with a 15 year wreath attached or is he just presented a 15 year wreath to attach to his star in a similar fashion as a Knights Cross awardee who is advanced to the next higher class?

Thanks for your help. R/ Twillie2

[ctink1863]

Another medal was awarded. It is nice to find a group of 10 yrs, 15, yrs and 20 yrs to the same individual.

[flyboy53]

Just so you, know the criteria for the NYS Long and Faithful Service Medal changed in 1995 -- about a 100 years after the decoration was implemented in 1895. The neck decoration with all the really neat devices was made obsolete and was replaced with a standard pendant on a ribbon drape with devices reflecting decades of service. Ribbon devices were round discs with Roman numerals. There are two different versions of the neck decoration.

 

To be eligible now, the individual has had to complete 90 percent of their required participation (drills, etc.) and be nominated by their commander. The first award is a certificate with a ribbon. The medal presentation happens at the 10 year point, except in some rare circumstances where the medal and certificate are awarded at the five-year point. Devices are miniature shields showing the state flag.

 

Brouse here for the criteria and a cool link that lists the recipients: https://dmna.ny.gov/awards/lfs.html

[Twillie2]

Cool! Thanks for the great replies.

Those replies generated new questions:

1) If I remember correctly there was a gold version of the NY Long and Faithful Service Medal. Was that for 20 years service or for 25 or 30 years.

2) Why are there some without the the decade device? Is it lost? Were they made into a lapel device or brooch? My suspicion is that they were simply lost due to mishandling.

If I understand correctly, if the decade device is missing, then there could be two or three possible recipients. Correct?

Thanks for your time. R/ Twillie2

[jmpmstr]

Various amounts of gold corresponding to length of service being rewarded. Here is an example of the 20 year award on 2d Type cravat

[Twillie2]

Thanks for the picture. That clears things up. R/ Twillie2

[TheMariner]

Various amounts of gold corresponding to length of service being rewarded. Here is an example of the 20 year award on 2d Type cravat

Familiar example SAL, glad you are enjoying it and gave it a good home! Cheers

[Gldank]

These are fun to collect, I have many samples in my collection. Tiffany & Co. made the earlier versions of the medal.