British Army R.A.T.A. sobriety medal, lion hallmark, original period award
Key Information:
Organization: Royal Army Temperance Association (R.A.T.A.)
Country: Great Britain
Material: Silver or silver-plated metal
Reverse: Plain, with a small hallmark at the bottom in the form of a lion passant – suggesting British silverplate or sterling manufacture, likely Sheffield origin
Ribbon: Red central stripe on white background – modern replacement
Dimensions: approx. 49.50 mm (height) × 32.55 mm (width)
Suspension: Fixed ring with crossed-rifle hanger
Medal Design: For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Condition:
Good, with an even age patina and minor surface wear.
Details of the obverse remain clear, reverse shows hallmark sharply.
Ribbon is a modern replacement.
Please refer to the pictures.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Royal Army Temperance Association (founded in 1862) encouraged sobriety, discipline, and moral behavior within the British Army.
Members were awarded medals after maintaining alcohol abstinence for a specific period, making these decorations both personal and symbolic achievements.
The presence of the lion passant hallmark enhances the collectible value, indicating British silver or silverplate production from a recognized assay tradition, likely Sheffield.
Summary:
Authentic Royal Army Temperance Association medal with the motto “Watch and Be Sober”, lion and crossed-rifle design on obverse, plain reverse with a lion passant hallmark.
Ribbon is a modern replacement. A solid and historically interesting piece of British military social history.
Please refer to the pictures.