A Second Afghan War I.O.M. pair awarded to Kunyah Lal, 14th Bengal Lancers

Indian Order of Merit, Military Division, 1st type, 3rd Class, Reward of Valor, silver and enamel, reverse with central nut fitting and engraved in three lines, ‘3rd / Class / Order of Merit’, unnamed, lacking buckle on ribbon; Afghanistan 1878-80, 2 clasps, Charasia, Kabul (D. Kunyah Lal, 14th B. Lancers) inscribed in crude serif capitals known to this regiment, with silver buckle on ribbon, claw tightened on last, edge bruising, contact marks, nearly very fine and better (2) £2500-3000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Awards to the Indian Army from the Collection of AM Shaw.

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Collection

Ex C. J. Parrett Collection of Indian Cavalry Awards, Christie's 21 July 1987.

Awarded the I.O.M. 3rd Class by G.G.O. No. 331 of 27 February 1880. 'Jemadar Gopal Sing (died of wounds) and Dafadar Kanhiya Lal, 14th Bengal Lancers, were admitted to the 3rd Class of the Order for conspicuous gallantry in the action in the Chardeh Valley on the 11th December 1879'.

Kunyah Lal entered the Indian Army in 1866. Promoted to Jemadar in 1885 and Ressaidar in 1892.