Charles gave orders for many other medals to be struck, but most of them were presented to officers holding high posts who had performed special services in times of peace as well as war. Many of these decorations were fashioned in single copies, and as practically none of them bore any inscriptions beyond the title and motto of the King, it is impossible to ascribe them to any definite act of military value. They were all oval in shape, whilst the designs showed considerable artistic merit. All these medals were intended to be worn suspended around the neck, or fixed brooch-like in the hat. Usually, the ribbons which were worn with them could be selected by the possessor at will, no fixed pattern being officially decreed, as obtains in present times. As may be expected, specimens belonging to this early period are now extremely costly, but they are often obtainable at public sales. A fine collection of them may be inspected in the medal-room at the British Museum. Charles I evidently had great faith in the value of decorations, for we find that towards the latter part of his reign he instituted a general medal, known popularly as the Forlorn Hope medal, which was to be awarded much on the lines which regulate the granting of the Victoria Cross to-day. The warrant which announced these awards ran as follows:-- "CHARLES R. Trusty and well beloved, we greet you well, whereas we have received information that those soldiers which have been forward to serve us in the Forlorn-hope, are not looked upon according to their merited valour and loyal service. We do, therefore, require, that from henceforward, the Commander-in-Chief both of Horse and Foot, which lead up the Forlorn-hope upon whom also we mean to bestow special tokens of our princely favour, do signify in writing the names of those soldiers whom they find most forward in serving us, their King and country, that care may be taken to reward their deservings and make them specially known to all our good subjects. For which end we have thought fit to require Sir William Parkhurst, Kt., and Thomas Bushell, Esq., Wardens of the Mint, to provide from time to time certain Badges of Silver, containing our Royal image, and that of our dearest son, Prince Charles, to be delivered to wear on the breast of every man who shall be certified under the hands of their Commander-in-Chief to have done us faithful service in the Forlorn-hope.