Rational Association Friendly Society Medal and Case George Tutill City Road London

A rare original circa Victorian early Edwardian period 'Rational Association Friendly Society Medal'; gilt and enamel example with pin suspension bearing Angels and Cherubs and inscribed 'Frienship, Love Justice, Charity Truth', the blue silk ribbon holding an ornate eight pointed star of alternate Fleur-de-lis and double scroll rays, bearing blue enamel title circlet and centre with red, white and green enamel monogram; the reverse inpressed with maker's details 'Tutill London' and housed in a leather, velvet lined case with details to the inside 'G Tutill, City Road London (George Tutill). Very good condition. Height approx 75mm. Established in 1837 by Robert Owen, Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Wales. Friendly societies were democratically managed insurance clubs, offering sickness and burial coverage and sociable activities in return for regular payments.