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Egyptian Medal: CM.1226-2009

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An image of Egyptian Medal
Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: Birmingham
Artist: Wyon, Leonard Charles
Artist: Pinches, John
Ruler: Victoria (1837-1901)
Ruler: Victoria regina et imperatrix (With the title of)

Entities

Categories

Description

The serious weakening of Ottoman Egyptian power under foreign influence led to increasing attempts to shed Egyptian dominion in the Sudan, where in 1881 Sheikh Muhammad Ahmad ibn al-Sayyid 'Abd Allah was proclaimed as Mahdi (the legendary final redeemer of Islam).
Several serious defeats of Egyptian forces in 1884 by his forces led to a concerted British campaign in defence of Egyptian claims, but but despite a victory at El-Teb and another fierce battle at Tamaai, control could not be recovered. The British withdrew their forces to Egypt and to Khartoum, where General Gordon defended the city whilst awaiting a relief column that, beset by Mahdist attacks, arrived too late.
This medal was awarded to Driver F. Hanes, of the 1st Brigade, Royal Artillery, for participation in the Battle of Tamaai. Lester Watson acquired the medal at some point before 1928.

Notes

History note: Gift of L. Hoyt Watson; ex Lester Watson Collection, acquired before 1928

Legal notes

Given by Lester Watson through Cambridge in America, 2009

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 36.2 mm
Weight: 38.45 g

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (2009) by Watson, Lester

Dating

1884 CE - 1890 CE

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of Victoria facing left with veil

  • Text: VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX
  • Location: Obverse
  • Type: Design

Inscription present: Sphynx on pedestal facing left

  • Text: EGYPT
  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Related exhibitions

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1226-2009
Primary reference Number: 141320
Watson Catalogue: 120
Ordering: M-0109
Previous object number: LW.0109

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Monday 25 March 2024

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Coins and Medals

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Egyptian Medal" Web page available at: https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/object/141320 Accessed: 2025-12-06 10:07:23

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{{cite web|url=https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/object/141320 |title=Egyptian Medal |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-06 10:07:23|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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