The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood

Indian Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 1859 issue with obverse bust of Queen Victoria and Anchor reverse (Sergt. Major Alexr. Munroe, 23rd Regt. L.I.) the obverse scratched below the Queen’s eye, otherwise toned, extremely fine £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

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Collection

Ex Brian Ritchie Collection, September 2004.

The true origins of this scarce medal are unknown but it would appear that about 100 were struck in error by Wyon and sent out to India in 1859. They are known to have been issued to all three presidencies but the mistake was only discovered the following year by the Government of Bombay, by which time they had probably all been issued.

In 1873, in response to an India Office request to explain the ‘difference in design of the Medals for “Long Service and Good Conduct” and “Meritorious Service,” supplied to this Office, and those supplied to the War Office,’ Mr Wyon replied as requested but added ‘There is also a Naval Long Service Medal but it has probably never been used.’