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Indian General Service Medal (1854-95): CM.1263-2009

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An image of Indian General Service Medal (1854-95)
Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: London
Ruler: Victoria (1837-1901)
Artist: Wyon, Leonard Charles
Ruler: Victoria regina (With the title of)

Entities

Categories

Description

The Army of India Medal's issue in 1849 having marked the previous half-century's combats in the region, further conflicts in the 1850s led in 1854 to the design and issue of a General Service Medal for the theatre, for which bars would be issued as each new campaign merited.
The Himalayan state of Sikkim, a part of India since 1975, came under British protection by way of a defensive alliance against Ghurka raiders from the Nepalese Empire. British supervision was distant until 1886, when Tibetan forces invaded the tiny state and persuaded its ruler to fortify the trade route. A British expeditionary force was sent (in 1888) to destroy the fortress, and another later in the year to drive the Tibetans out of the country. After this a British Resident was installed.
This bar was awarded for participation in the 1888 campaign, and is here affixed to the medal of Private E. Adler, of the 2nd Battalion, Derby Regiment. 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: 36.3 mm
Weight: 40.05 g

Acquisition and important dates

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

Dating

1889 - 1895

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of Victoria facing left

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

Inscription present: Victory crowning seated Classical warrior with laurel wreath

  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1263-2009
Primary reference Number: 141357
Watson Catalogue: 164
Ordering: M-0146
Previous object number: LW.0146

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

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The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Indian General Service Medal (1854-95)" Web page available at: https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/object/141357 Accessed: 2025-12-05 14:52:52

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{{cite web|url=https://data.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk/id/object/141357 |title=Indian General Service Medal (1854-95) |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-05 14:52:52|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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