Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Troopr. B. Munzberg, “H” Troop B.F.F.) mounted as worn ‘German’ style, nearly extremely fine £300-£400

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2004.

Berthold Munzberg acquired a Prospector’s Licence from the Mining Commissioner, Bulawayo, on 28 November 1894, and after staking a claim, sold out on 10 June 1895. He served during the Matabeleland campaign of 1896, and was wounded in action whilst on patrol with Captain Selous on 28 March 1896 (London Gazette 5 April 1898 refers). A contemporary report by Captain J. Nicholson states:

‘Captain Selous with 35 men left Wednesday 25th March [1896] at 7:30 p.m. for Wessexvale and the Malungwani Hills where natives were said to be in arms. He met with little opposition till after crossing the Tuli road and 8 miles south west of Spiro’s store he came into contact with a considerable body of the rebels and had to withdraw. Casualties were Troopers Stracey and Muntzberg wounded. One horse shot. They returned on 30th March.’