British India: Magdala Medal. 1st Issue 'Lord Napier of Magdala' obverse 2nd type 'Bengal Presidency' reverse legend. Silver

Awarded to the 'Best Shot of Native Troops of the Bengal Presidency'

Metal: Silver

Dimension: 47mm (W)

Weight: 58g

Metal: Silver

Weight: Approximately 53g

Reference: Rifle Association and Shooting Medals of the Raj with Rarity and Valuations (Robert P. Puddester, 2017- Volume V Medals of British India series), this medal is described as 'Extremely Rare' (25 or less specimens known)

The series of 'Magdala Medals' (there are 3 x types viz Lord Napier, General Sir F. P. Haines & General Sir D. Stewart - and one trial un-marked and un-dated but believed to be intended for award from Lord Roberts) were awarded to the Best Shots of the native regiments of the Indian Army over a very limited period, spanning the years circa 1873-1882 (Napier, Haines & Stewart were in succession the Commanders in Chief India, 1871-1882). The medals were all struck at, and the dies held, at the Calcutta Mint. A fourth type 'die' & un-mounted specimen is extant and held at Calcutta, presumably the obverse intended to be struck with the title and name of Lord Roberts. However, no 'Lord Robert's' medals are known to be extant, and it is believed that none were ever issued during Roberts time as Commander-in-Chief

General Sir F. P. Haines was Commander in Chief in India 1876-1881, during which time he presided over the Afghanistan War of 1878-1880. He was subsequently rewarded with the G.C.B., G.C.S.I. & C.I.E., and died in 1909

During his tenure as Commander-in Chief the below General Order dated Head Quarters, Simla, 22 October 1880

Quote:

This G.O. notifies that the following prizes will be awarded by the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir F. P. Haines, G.C.B., for rifle competition by the British and Native troops serving in the Bengal Presidency, and also by such British and Native troops belonging to the Madras and Bombay Presidencies as served in the late war in Afghanistan.....

IV. Native Infantry

Prize: - The Magdala Gold Medal, presented by H. E. the Commander-in-Chief

Unquote

A handsome and prestigious medal that was struck at the Calcutta Mint, for award to the Best Shot of the Native Troops of the Bengal Presidency Army (including contestant units from Punjab Frontier Force, and the Madras Presidency Army)

Extremely scarce

Condition: Reverse hairlines thus about GVF

Code: 22969