Silver breast badge of the Order of the Defender of the Realm, KMN class
Key Information:
• Country: Malaysia
• Order: Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara
• Class: KMN – Kesatria Mangku Negara
• Grade: Officer grade breast badge
• Material: Silver (marked “SILVER”)
• Additional mark: second maker’s punch next to “SILVER” (not fully legible)
• Diameter: approx. 48.12 mm
• Weight: approx. 40 g with ribbon
• Era: Mid-20th century issue
Medal Design:
Obverse: Multi-rayed white enamel star with crescent and star motifs between the arms. Central medallion with crown and inscriptions:
“DI PELIHARAKAN ALLAH” “PANGKUAN NEGARA”
Translation:
“Under the Protection of Allah” “Defender of the Realm”
Reverse: Plain domed central reverse typical for this class. On the lower arm, the badge is hallmarked “SILVER” alongside a second maker’s mark, which is present but not fully readable.
The badge is suspended from its original ribbon in blue with central red and white stripes.
Condition:
• Silver construction with natural age patina
• Visible enamel losses
• Signs of wear consistent with age
• Hallmarks visible on lower arm
• For condition, please refer to the pictures, all dimensions are approx.
Historical and Collectible Significance:
The Most Esteemed Order of the Defender of the Realm (Darjah Yang Mulia Pangkuan Negara) was instituted in 1958 as one of Malaysia’s federal honours. The KMN (Kesatria Mangku Negara) class represents an Officer grade awarded for meritorious service.
Early silver examples with maker’s marks are collectible, especially when complete with ribbon. The combination of silver construction and official hallmarks adds desirability for collectors of Asian and Commonwealth honours.
Summary:
Original silver KMN breast badge of the Order of the Defender of the Realm.
Marked “SILVER” with additional maker’s punch.
Complete with ribbon.
Collectible mid-20th century Malaysian decoration.