Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Four: Private James Rattler, alias Marshall, 72nd Seaforth Highlanders

Afghanistan 1878-80, 1 clasp, Kandahar (58. B/2734 Pte. J. Rattler. 72nd Highrs.); Kabul to Kandahar Star 1880 (58B/2734 Private J. Rattler 72nd Highlanders); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, 1 clasp, Tel-el-Kebir (531 Pte. J. Rattler. 1/Sea: Highrs.); Khedive's Star 1882, named on the reverse (531 Pte. J. Rattler 1/Sea: Hrs.) pitting from stars with some loss to naming detail, good fine (4) £500-£600

James Rattler was born in Edinburgh and enlisted there into the 60th Rifles on 4 July 1879, aged 20, and transferred to 58th Brigade on 1 December 1879, No. 2734, later No. 531. He served with the 72nd Seaforth Highlanders in Afghanistan, India and Egypt. On 6 July 1886 he re-enlisted at Dundee for the Royal Scots Fusiliers in the name of James Marshall, his papers noting amongst distinctive marks ‘J Rattler’ tattooed on his left forearm with the observation ‘Has probably served before’. For whatever reason he was awaiting trial 7-26 July 1886, and then commenced a period of 84 days imprisonment, after which he was relegated to Army Reserve on 19 October 1886. His Army Engagement expired on 19 August 1891, and he died on 29 November 1892. Sold with copied service papers and medal roll confirmation.