The Regalia of the BII
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The Regalia of the BII |
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| THE PRESIDENTIAL
CHAIN OF OFFICE OF THE BELFAST INSURANCE INSTITUTE Around 1976-77, the BII Council was of the opinion, that as a major Institute, Belfast should have a Chain of Office commensurate with its status. It was therefore decided to mark Jubilee Year by casting off the "faded and worn maroon ribbon of the past" which had supported the presidential jewel and replace it with "a bright and durable chain" for the future. A collection was taken up amongst the Insurance Company, Broking and Loss Adjuster member offices of the day to cover the costs and at the 1977 AGM, the immediate past President Alan Ball, presented the incoming President Ainslie Alexander with the new Chain. The Chain itself comprises 24 x 9ct gold on silver shield shaped links, suspended from which is the Presidential Jewel consisting of a Double 9ct Gold Medallion When laid out the shield shaped links form an oval 16" x 12" and the Medallions descend a further 6 1/2 " below this. The Major Medalion measures 3 1/2 " by 2 3/4 " and the Minor Medalion measures 2" x 1 1/2 ". A 10" 9ct "gold rope" safety support chain completes the design. The Major Medalion was supplied by Sharmar D. Neill of Belfast from stock supplies dated 1902. It is in three part construction, comprising the City of Belfast Coat of Arms (fired in four colour enamel - red, white, blue and green) and underneath the scrolled motto "Pro Tanto Quid Retrebuamus" is in open relief, surrounded by an oval frame, enameled in royal blue and inscribed "Belfast Insurance Institute - Founded 1907" The oval frame is surrounded with foliate leaves, scroll and shamrocks, open pierced. It is Hallmarked: WJD - Sponsor / Maker 9.375 - Gold Carat Mark Anchor - Birmingham Hallmark C - 1902 Year Mark. The Minor Medallion consists of a solid oval inlaid with the CII Coat of Arms (fired in two colour enamel - royal blue and turquoise) underneath is the scrolled motto " Consilium Scientia". This is surrounded by an oval, enameled in royal blue and inscribed "Chartered Insurance Institute - Incorporated 1912" The oval frame is surrounded by a Laurel Wreath partly open pierced. A half inch rugby ball shaped link suspends the Major Medallion below the Minor one. Twin half inch swivel links connect both Medallions to the main chain. The Main Chain consists of 24 x 9ct gold on silver shaped links with foliate embossing which are in turn joined by two rows of belcher links. Each shield link is Hallmarked: H & R - Sponsor / Maker Lion Passant - British Silver Stirling Mark C - 1902 Year Mark. The complete chain overall weighs 420 gms; the Double Medallion, when separated from the chain weighs 70 gms. The Mottos are freely translated as follows: - "Pro Tanto Quid Retrebuamus" - "What return shall we make for so much" Psalm 116 v 12: (Motto - City of Belfast ) "Consilium Scientia" - "Counsel and knowledge" (Motto - The Chartered Insurance Institute) |
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| Past Presidents | History of the BII |
