The Collection of Medals to Artillery Units formed by Lt-Col. A.M. Macfarlane

Five: Gunner John Spence, Royal Artillery

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Gunr. & Dr., R.A.) contemporary engraved naming; Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Central India (Gr. & Dr., 6th Cy. 14th Bn. R.A.); China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Gunner, 8th Batt. 14th Bde. R.A.) officially impressed naming, traces of brooch marks to obverse; Abyssinia 1867-68 (1235 Gunr., G By. 14 Bde. R.A.); Turkish Crimea, Sardinian issue, unnamed and fitted with Indian Mutiny suspension, some edge bruising but generally very fine or better and a scarce group (5) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Artillery Units formed by Lt-Col. A.M. Macfarlane.

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John Spence was born at Middleton, County Durham, in January 1830, and enlisted at Hartlepool in February 1847. He served with 4 Company 2 Battalion in the Crimea and was wounded at Sebastopol on 14 April 1855. He was then posted to 6 Company 14 Battalion, with which he served for the rest of his service. He was discharged in April 1870, having been found unfit for further service as summarised in his medical report: “Debility and chronic rheumatism incurred in the course of 23 years service in tropical climates and on service in the field. In addition he lost the digital end of first finger of right hand from Whitlow when on service in Abyssinia.” Sold with copy discharge papers.