Princely State of Bahawalpur Award Faithful Loyalty
Key Information:
• Country: India – Princely State of Bahawalpur
• Name: Bahawalpur State Star Medal
• Period: World War II era
• Material: Silvered bronze
• Dimensions: Approx. 54.55 x 41.85 mm
• Serial number: 224 (engraved on reverse)
• Ribbon: Replacement ribbon
Medal Design:
Five-pointed star surmounted by a crown.
Obverse features crescent and star within a laurel wreath.
Lower scroll inscription in Urdu: “صدقِ وفا”
Transliteration: Sadiq-e-Wafa
Translation: “Faithful Loyalty” / “True in Devotion”
Reverse:
Plain field with engraved number “224”.
Condition:
• Original period medal, not a modern cast reproduction
• Attractive dark age patina
• Surface oxidation and honest wear consistent with age
• Clearly engraved number “224” on reverse
• Suspension intact
• Ribbon is a later replacement
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
Issued by the Princely State of Bahawalpur during the World War II period, this medal was awarded to members of the Bahawalpur State Forces serving alongside the British Indian Army.
The Urdu motto “Sadiq-e-Wafa” (“Faithful Loyalty”) reflects the dynastic title used by the Nawabs of Bahawalpur and their declared loyalty to the British Crown.
Numbered examples are especially desirable, indicating official issue rather than unofficial production.
Princely State awards from British India are increasingly sought after due to their limited issuance and strong historical background.
Summary:
Original numbered Bahawalpur State Star Medal, WWII era, serial number 224, with attractive patina and replacement ribbon. A solid and collectible Indian Princely State decoration.