From Waterloo to Seringapatam

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We're pleased to announce the upcoming sale of a collection of military campaign medals, in our Homes and Interiors auction on Tuesday 23 April. These 33 lots, sourced from a local lady whose late husband was a keen collector, offer a glimpse into history, featuring notable pieces such as the Waterloo Medal, recognised as one of the most famous gallantry medals.

While medals were historically a common award for military success, the Waterloo Medal was the first issued by the British government to all soldiers present during an action, and the first campaign medal awarded to the next-of-kin of men killed in action. The Duke of Wellington recommended the striking of the medal just ten days after the battle on Sunday 18 June, 1815 and later wrote to the Secretary of State for War, stating: ‘I recommend that we should all have the same medal, hung to the same ribbon.’

^{A Waterloo medal (£800-1,200)}

A total of 39,000 Waterloo medals were produced. This example, named for gunner Hen. Baumgarde, was one of around 6,500 issued to members of the King's German Legion, the unit of mostly expatriated German personnel that proved among the most effective units during the Napoleonic Wars. At Waterloo itself, they fought fiercely to defend the crucial farmhouse of La Haye Sainte. The medal carries an estimate of £800-1,200

^{An Honourable East India Company Medal (£500-800)}

A silver-gilt Honourable East India Company Medal for Seringapatam 1799, is expected to bring £500-800. These were commissioned by the East India Company in 1801 after the conclusion of the Anglo-Mysore Wars to reward all ranks of both the British and Indian armies who contributed to the overthrow of Tipu Sultan at Seringapatam. The first campaign medal awarded to both Indian and British troops on the same basis, the medal was struck in five different metals; gold, silver-gilt, silver, bronze and pewter and given determined by the rank and status. Those in silver-gilt were given to intermediate officers including majors and senior HEIC officials.

^{An Afghan medal (£300-500)}

While the collection includes medals from the 20th century theatres of war, its focus is primarily on the 19th century campaigns of the colonial era.

The collection also features notable pieces such as the Afghan Medal and the China War Medal, offering further exploration into historical events. Additionally, medals from the Crimean War, including the Crimea Medal 1854-56, provide a poignant glimpse into the experiences of soldiers during this tumultuous period.

Homes & Interiors

Tuesday 23 April | 9:30am

homesandinteriors@sworder.co.uk | 01279 817778

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