China 1857-60, no clasp (N. Lieut. I. W. Lowe, R.N. Transport Officer 1859.60.61) contemporary engraved naming, collector’s mark on obverse at 1 o’clock, very fine £150-200

John W. Lowe, who was born in February 1821, appears to have commenced his naval career as an Acting 2nd Master in H.M.S. Fawn in February 1843.

Between December 1844 and February 1846, as a 2nd Master, he served in the Actaeon in anti-slavery operations off the west coast of Africa, a colourful account of her operations and life aboard having survived in the reminiscences of a member of her lower deck, William Petty Ashcroft - see The Naval Review, Volumes 52-53 (1964-65).

Lowe was next appointed to the Waterwitch as an Acting Master and, on 22 July 1847, participated in the capture of the Brazilian brigantine Romeo Primero. A prize crew was put on board to take her to St. Helena, but ‘adverse winds caused a change of course to Sierra Leone and on 11 August the prisoners on board attempted to re-capture the vessel. They were repulsed but all the prize crew were badly wounded and two subsequently died.’

During the Second China War, Lowe acted as ‘Agent for Transports’ while serving as Master of the Melbourne, a steamer that acted as a store ship and hospital ship.

He was advanced to the newly created rank of Staff Commander in November 1866 and retired in May 1870, having latterly served in the Coast Guard.