Description:

This medal was first instituted by William IV in 1830 with the first issue being somewhat smaller than later types with a ring suspender,  The original issue also had a flaw in the die used which resulted in a ridge of metal on the reverse of the medal between the E and R of 'SERVICE' and wavy line from NG of 'LONG' to the T of 'CONDUCT'.

Victorian issues bear the head of young Queen Victoria and the inscription 'VICTORIA REGINA'.  The reverse has HMS Victory and the inscription 'FOR LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT' around the edge outside a knotted rope.  Early Victorian issues had a wide suspender (WS) to take a 1.50" ribbon while later issues had the more common 1.25" wide suspenders.  It is believed that the WS was still being used up to 1875 despite many issued having the narrower type.  Generally speaking those with the WS had a slightly different reverse with a larger flag at the masthead while those with the narrower suspender had a more triangular flag.

Post Victorian issues bear the heads of Edward VII, George V and George VI with both swivelling and fixed suspenders.  Those of Elizabeth II issue reverted back to swivelling suspenders in 1955.  The reverse on all issues have remained the same with a slight variation with Victorian issues as outlined above.

Clasps:

A bar is authorised for second awards.

Ribbon:

Dark blue with white edges and 1.25" wide on most issues.  Early ribbons were of 1.50" in width.

Naming:

As with the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal naming varies.  Many are engraved while others are impressed.  Some medals are named with the number of years service completed by the recipient but this seems to have stopped around 1875.  Block capitals with blackened letters or tall serif capitals are encountered along with engraved naming.

Notes:

Slight variations of the reverse may be encountered as the dies had to be re-cut from time to time as they wore out.

Information courtesy of:

 http://www.britishmilitarymedals.co.uk/ and/or http://www.derdienst.com/