Circular silver medal with swivel bar for ribbon suspension; the face with the crowned, veiled head of Queen Victoria facing left, circumscribed ‘VICTORIA REGINA’, signed ‘L.C.WYON’ (for Leonard Charles Wyon, 1826-1891, chief engraver at the Royal Mint) on the base of the neck; the reverse with a jungle skirmish scene designed by the great neo-classical painter Sir Edward Poynter (1836-1919); attributed on the edge in black-filled engraved characters to ‘2205. PTE. H. STUART. 42ND HIGHDS. 1873-4’; a very small manufacturing defect on the edge at the base, a slight edge bruise to the right and a couple of small edge knicks; on replaced correct ribbon.
The Medal was instituted in June 1874 to be awarded for participation in the brief but ferocious campaign against the forces of King Kalkali of Ashantee.
Private Henry Stuart was born in Edinburgh and employed as a glass-cutter prior to military service. He enlisted with 42nd Highland Regiment of Foot (The Black Watch) in 1872 and was discharged medically unfit for further service in 1874.
Sold with a full copy of Private Stuart’s discharge papers and with a copy of the medal roll showing entitlement.
A very good example of a rare medal to the most senior Highland Regiment.
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