Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare Victoria issue Army M.S.M. dated ‘1848’ on obverse awarded to Troop Serjeant-Major W. Ryan, 3rd Dragoon Guards

Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., dated ‘1848’ below bust (W. Ryan, Troop Serjt. Major, 3rd Dragoon Guards) edge bruising, very fine and extremely rare £2500-3000

Fewer than 10 M.S.M’s. with ‘1848’ below the Queen’s bust are believed to have been awarded to the Army.

William Ryan was born in Co. Tipperary and attested for service with the Dragoon Guards on 19 February 1825, aged 25 years. Serving with the 3rd Dragoon Guards, he was promoted to Corporal in September 1830; Serjeant in June 1833 and Troop Serjeant-Major in March 1838. He was awarded the M.S.M. with an annuity of £10 in August 1849. Ryan was discharged at Chatham on 22 July 1857 and died c.1871. Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.