Unidentified Uk? 19c Medals - Probably Non-Military

Looking at the way the jacket buttons up, it appears the photo has not been reversed. Some people nowadays may not be aware, but even in the 60's, male garments buttoned up one way (button on the right ) and female garments the other. This makes me think that these medals are being worn on the right side of the chest. In the British military, medals were always worn on the left breast above the heart by the recipient.(OK, I know in reality the heart is a little bit more central ). People wore military medals on the right at the funeral of the holder, as a mark of respect.

Secondly, British military medals were a fairly standard design, which these do not follow. All of this makes me think they are not standard UK military medals. In that period many schools, clubs, churches and such like awarded their own private medals, which these might be. They might also be non-British.

What was the occasion of the photograph? If you show the whole picture there may be some contextual evidence which could shed some light.

There were many societies at that time with quasi masonic titles, The Ancient and Loyal Order of Shepherds was one. They were sometimes known as burial societies. Originally organised somewhat like guilds they promoted the welfare of their members, and some later evolved into insurance companies. Many of these societies still exist in a much changed form.
At this time however, the emphasis was on fellowship amongst other things.
To this end lodges and uniforms and medals were much in vogue. Equally, religious groups also issued medals; the Band of Hope being the most often encountered.
It's possible that the medal to the right could have come from the Ancient order of Foresters.

Thanks guys for the replies so far and I'll add a bit of context as requested.

The family were good old East End of London small-time entrepreneurs. I've attached the full photo showing grandfather, son and grandson - all Georges. The fact that the youngest is aged about 3 gives me the date taken of c1897.

No military connections before WW1. He was at this stage a jobbing photographer (his stamp is on the reverse). He obviously didn't know how to wear his medals tidily (and I agree that he seems to be wearing them on his right shoulder) but they do seem to be worn deliberately. No real trade (painter, omnibus driver, domestic coachman, photographer) to connect them to though.

I'll check out any Foresters connection and I agree that some sort of benevolent society medal/jewel seems likely.

Thanks again!

Colin

I recon I should get one for signing cheques and persistent UN sobriety