When originally created the Imperial Service Medal was a seven-pointed star, or a laurel wreath for women, in the same pattern as the Imperial Service Order, but with the star or laurel in bronze.[3] In 1920 an amendment of the statutes changed the appearance of the medal to its current form of as a circular silver medal, 32 mm(1.3英寸) in diameter, bearing the effigy of the reigning sovereign on the obverse.[4] To date, here have been six versions:[5]
乔治五世,1920-31年。铭刻GEORGIVS V D. G. BRITT: OMN: REX F. D. INDIAE. IMP.
The reverse bears the image of a naked man resting from his labours[5] with the inscription "For Faithful Service".[4][6] The name of the recipient is impressed on the rim of the medal. Recipients are listed in the London Gazette.[7]