United Kingdom, Canada. An Ancient Order of Froth Blowers Collar to Thain Wendell MacDowell, V.C. Recipient for Actions at Vimy Ridge, 1917

A Collar of the Ancient Order of Froth Blowers, in silver gilt and multicoloured enamels, comprising fifteen links bearing the insignia of the order including AOFB in blue enamel, a mug of ale, a gnome, British roses in red enamels, and several hollow links. The central medallion features a handpainted gnome on a barrel with a CHAIRMAN banner above and the motto of the order LUBRICATION IN MODERATION across the center, the reverse of the medallion is engraved "PRESENTED TO GRAND TYPHOON MAJOR T.W.MACDOWELL. V.C. BY SIR ALFRED FRIPP, K.C.V.O., C.B. FROTHBLOWER No 1 FOR SERVICES RENDERED TO YE A.O.F.B.” With the maker mark CHAM MEDAL Co BIRM near 6 o’clock, the medallion measures 108 mm (w) x 89 mm (h). The total length of the collar 83 cm in total length 267.9 grams, areas of gilt loss, enamels intact, remains in very fine condition. 

The collar is contained in an original blue case, of blue leatherette exterior, silk interior with additional flap to protect the links, measures 29 cm (w) x 125 mm (h) x 30 mm (d), two clasps (one repaired with small wire), scuffing and wear to edges and corners, staining on lid, near very fine. 

Footnote: Thain Wendell MacDowell (1890–1960) was one of Canada’s most distinguished First World War soldiers and among the four Canadians awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery at the Battle of Vimy Ridge in April 1917. Born in Lachute, Quebec, and raised near Brockville, Ontario, MacDowell attended Brockville Collegiate Institute and later the University of Toronto, where he joined the Canadian Officer Training Corps and developed a reputation as both an athlete and capable young officer. After graduating in 1914, he enlisted in the 38th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, serving on the Western Front during some of the war’s fiercest fighting. He first gained distinction at the Battle of the Somme in 1916, where his leadership earned him the Distinguished Service Order.

MacDowell received the Victoria Cross for extraordinary gallantry during the Canadian assault on Vimy Ridge on 9 April 1917. Advancing ahead of his company with only two runners, he attacked and destroyed German machine-gun positions with grenades before entering a heavily defended underground dugout. Inside, he confronted a much larger German force but successfully bluffed them into believing they were surrounded by a substantial Canadian unit. As a result, two German officers and seventy-five soldiers surrendered to MacDowell and his two companions. Although wounded in the hand during the action, he continued to hold the captured position under intense shellfire for five days until relieved. His courage and initiative were credited with helping his battalion secure its objective on Hill 145, the highest and most important point of Vimy Ridge.

Following the war, MacDowell remained active in military and public life, eventually reaching the rank of lieutenant-colonel. He served as private secretary to Canada’s Minister of National Defence during the 1920s and later worked in the mining and chemical industries. His Victoria Cross is preserved at the University of Toronto, and memorial plaques in Ontario commemorate his achievements and wartime service.

The Ancient Order of Froth Blowers was a humorous British charitable drinking fraternity founded in 1924 by former soldier Herbert (“Bert”) Temple to raise money for children’s charities supported by surgeon Sir Alfred Fripp. Known for its motto “Lubrication in Moderation,” the organization combined parody rituals, pub gatherings, and mock titles with serious philanthropy, eventually attracting hundreds of thousands of members across Britain. Meetings were held in local “Vats,” where members enjoyed “beer, beef and baccy” while raising funds for hospitals, children’s outings, and welfare projects. At its height the Order reportedly raised more than £100,000 for charitable causes before declining after Fripp’s death in 1930 and formally dissolving in 1931.