Orders, Decorations and Medals

The unique medal for Fort Detroit and Chrystler’s Farm awarded to Private Joseph Sterland, Royal Artillery

Military General Service 1793-1814, 2 clasps, Fort Detroit, Chrystler’s Farm (J. Sterland, R. Arty.) with original ribbon, dark toned, extremely fine and unique to the British army £6000-8000

This important medal is first recorded in the collection of Captain E. Hyde Greg, formed between the years 1860 and 1885, and was sold at Sotheby in May 1887 for £25-10s. The catalogue stated ‘this medal is unique and cost 20 guineas about fifteen years ago.’ It was again sold by Sotheby, in July 1891, as part of the collection formed by Mr James Oliver of New York, a founder of the American Numismatic and Archaeological Society, when it realised £57.

Joseph Sterland served as a Private in Major Holcroft’s Detachment, 4th Battalion, Royal Artillery, at Fort Detroit, and in Sinclair’s Company at Chrystler’s Farm. The Medal Rolls of the Royal Artillery in the War Office show him serving at ‘Fort George (Canada) in 1812, and on Escort, and on Burlington Heights in Novr. and Decr. 1813, &c.’ Captain Holcroft’s Company was, in 1816, allowed to wear on its badges and appointments “Niagara” in recognition of its gallantry and good conduct at the capture of Fort Niagara and during the whole of the subsequent campaign.

Joseph Sterland was the only recipient amongst the entire British army to receive clasps for two North American actions.