Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

South Devon Militia Medal of Merit 1799, obverse: trophy of arms enclosed by a wreath, with circumscription, ‘To the South Devon Militia in Testimony of Merit 1799’; reverse: arms of Waterford, 31mm., silver, ring mount, Ref: H.I. p.396, slight edge bruising, very fine, scarce £200-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Regimental Medals from the James N Spencer Collection.

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The South Devon Militia were stationed in Waterford, Ireland from 1798-1799. It was largely due to their presence that the rising of 1798 was contained so effectively within the city, unlike other areas which suffered greatly in the unrest. As a result of their good service it was resolved unanimously that the Freedom of the City be presented to the Colonel of the regiment, and that certain selected members of the regiment be awarded a specially struck silver medal. It is not known exactly how many medals were struck in total, but less than 10 examples are known to have survived today.