Alan Cumming OBE

[bigdad1]

I think the main reason this works (despite the clunky boots) is the impeccable tailoring-- if it had been off even a bit...

(BTW-- please note the proper placement of his Order of the British Empire decoration)

Well since he had just been awarded it I believe it is safe to say someone pinned it on him so he doesn't get any credit for the proper placement.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

[Referring to MoR's comment on the placement of Mr. Cumming's OBE on his lapel] Well since he had just been awarded it I believe it is safe to say someone pinned it on him so he doesn't get any credit for the proper placement.

That is of course, absolutely correct... to a point. Prior to receiving the OBE an equerry would have pinned a small hook to the front of Mr. Cumming's jacket. This is called an investing pin, and the decoration or medal is hung on that when it is presented. This eliminates having to fumble with the pin on the back of the decoration while trying to pin it on. As you can see from the attached link, the OBE was originally placed lower on the jacket to make it easier for HRH The Princess Royal to invest Mr. Cumming with the award. http://www.thesun.co.uk/scotsol/home...cess-Anne.html

After receiving his OBE, Mr. Cumming would have been led into another room, where he would have been given the box for the OBE, along with the letters patent confirming the award. Generally, at this time, the decoration is removed and the investing pin is also removed from the jacket. Most individuals are photographed holding their OBE, usually in its box.

However, in this instance, I suspect that Mr. Cumming's tailor stitched two tiny loops (called beckets) at the appropriate level on the lapel, allowing the decoration to be properly worn merely by slipping the pin on the back of the OBE through the beckets.

I pointed out the placement of Mr. Cumming's OBE so that those gentlemen who might not be conversant with the wearing of orders, decorations, and medals, would note how they should be worn on the lapel. I don't recall giving Mr. Cumming's any credit for having placed his OBE on his lapel, although I think all credit is due to him for having received it.