In this large single-owner military sale, we will be offering an impressive collection of high-quality medals from the reign of Queen Victoria, with representation from almost all the military campaigns during this period, and First World War medals. In addition, there are some very fine books and an interesting collection of swords.
One of the highlights will be medals from the following military campaigns including wars in the Crimea, the Peninsular, Sudan, Afghanistan, Egypt, India, China, South Africa, Punjab, Baltic, the Indian Mutiny, New Zealand, Abyssinian, East, and West Africa.
Some of these Victorian medals include a four-clasp Crimean medal awarded to J. Wyllie from the Second Dragoons, along with the Turkish Crimea medal Sardinia issue. Of note, the Second Dragoons were part of the Heavy Brigade at Balaclava. Another highly unusual offering is the Military General Service Medal 1848 for the Peninsular War with seven bars. The bars relate to battles at Vimiera, Corunna, Busaco, Fuentes D’Onor, Ciudad, Rodigo, Badajoz, and Salamanca awarded to W. Buckley of the 95th Foot. Rifles.
We have the following examples of World War One medals including bravery awards such as the Military Cross, Military Medal and Canadian memorial crosses. There is also an extensive collection of British memorial plaque groups. One of the Military Cross groups was awarded to 2 Lieut. John Alfred Harland on 23rd July 1918 for conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Another unusual set is a pair of George V Sea Gallantry Medals awarded to Able Seaman James Owen, the Sea Gallantry Medal in silver for saving life at sea and the Ship wrecked and mariners Royal Benevolent Society medal in silver.
One special lot relates to a highly sought-after two-volume edition of ‘The Seat of War in the East’ by William Simpson published in 1855/56 describing the Crimean War. There are 79 hand-coloured lithograph plates, which makes it very desirable.
The auction is online from the 18th of January to the 4th of February 2024: view the catalogue and bid online.