Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Captain & Quartermaster James Aylett, 20th Regiment

Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (Qr. Master J. Aylett. XXth Regt.) contemporary engraved naming; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Lucknow (Qr. Mr. J. Aylett, 1st Bn. 20th Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., large letter reverse (Js. Aylett, 20th Regt. 11th May 1854. No. 806 Qr. Mr. Serjt.) fitted with replacement straight suspension with silver clasp; Turkish Crimea, British issue, unnamed, light contact marks, otherwise good very fine (4) £1,400-£1,600

James Aylett enlisted into the 20th Regiment at Blegaum, India, on 15 October 1832, by ‘special permission to be trained as Drummer’, aged 16 years. He was appointed probationary Orderly Room Clerk on 10 January 1837, and promoted to Corporal on 31 May 1837; Paymaster-Sergeant, 15 February 1839; Quarter-Master-Sergeant, 1 July 1851. He was awarded the L.S. & G.C. medal on 11 May 1854, and was commissioned as Quarter-Master whilst serving in the Crimea on 9 February 1855. He was initially recommended for an Ensigncy, being ‘the most deserving non comd. officer’ in the regiment, but took the position of Quarter-Master at his own request. After service in the Indian mutiny, he exchanged into the 29th Regiment on 23 March 1859, and thereafter served at Home and in Ireland until he went on half-pay with the honorary rank of Captain on 30 June 1865. Sold with copied statement of service, muster details, and various correspondence regarding his promotion.