Pair: Drum Major G. Morgason, 1st Foot, who served 38 Years with the Colours, and received one of the first M.S.M.s in 1847

Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Ava (Drumr. G. Morganson, 1st. Foot.) short hyphen reverse, officially impressed naming; Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., 1st issue (Drum Major George Morgason Royal S 2nd. Bn. 1847) edge bruising, very fine, scarce (2) £1800-2200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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George Morgason was born on 22 May 1797 in Lincolnshire, and attested for the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot on 22 May 1812. Appointed a Drummer on 6 August 1814, he transferred to the 1st (Royal Scots) Regiment of Foot on 8 August 1922, and served with the Regiment during the first Anglo-Burmese War, 1824-26. Promoted Corporal on 1 March 1832, and Drum Major on 6 March 1836, he was discharged on 24 November 1846, after 38 years and 76 days’ service. He was awarded one of the original Meritorious Service Medals, together with an Annuity of £15, on 29 November 1847. He died in 1875.

Morgason is also recorded as receiving a silver 1st Foot Regimental Medal, the obverse engraved ‘Presented by Liuet. Col. Geo. Bell and the Officers of the 2nd Battn. Royal Regt., the reverse engraved ‘To Drum Major George Morgason for Long Service and Exemplary Conduct’, the suspension bar reading ‘1st January 1847 38 Years Service Never a Defaulter’ (Ref. Balmer R143, ex. Eaton Collection).

Note: Approximately 110 Meritorious Service Medals with Annuities were awarded in 1847 following the institution of the award, funded by an annual sum of £2,000; future awards of the M.S.M. could usually only be made upon the death of an existing recipient.