The first version of the medal has the effigy of Queen Victoria on the obverse and was designed by William Wyon, the chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.
The reverse has the image of HMS Victory that would remain virtually unchanged through all subsequent versions of the medal.
The details of the recipient were either engraved or, after 1877, impressed around the edge of the medal, showing his service number, rank and name and, until the early 1880s, also the name of a Naval rating's ship or shore establishment or a Marine's division.

Two versions of the Queen Victoria obverse were produced.
An estimated 100 of the medals have the year "1848" in relief below Queen Victoria's bust.
These medals were struck in error using the die for the Naval General Service Medal (1847).

Two versions of suspender were also produced.
The first medals, including the dated ones, had a straight suspender that was wide enough to accept the 38 millimetres (1½ inches) wide ribbon.
The suspender was changed to a narrower width in 1875, to accept a new 32 millimetres (1¼ inches) wide ribbon.
Both types of suspender were swiveling and were affixed to the medal by means of a double-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal.
The first version of the medal has the effigy of Queen Victoria on the obverse and was designed by William Wyon, the chief engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death. The reverse has the image of HMS Victory that would remain virtually unchanged through all subsequent versions of the medal. The details of the recipient were either engraved or, after 1877, impressed around the edge of the medal, showing his service number, rank and name and, until the early 1880s, also the name of a Naval rating's ship or shore establishment or a Marine's division.
Two versions of the Queen Victoria obverse were produced. An estimated 100 of the medals have the year "1848" in relief below Queen Victoria's bust. These medals were struck in error using the die for the Naval General Service Medal (1847).
Two versions of suspender were also produced. The first medals, including the dated ones, had a straight suspender that was wide enough to accept the 38 millimetres (1½ inches) wide ribbon. The suspender was changed to a narrower width in 1875, to accept a new 32 millimetres (1¼ inches) wide ribbon. Both types of suspender were swiveling and were affixed to the medal by means of a double-toe claw and a horizontal pin through the upper edge of the medal.
Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (1848)