Indian Mutiny Medal 1857-59. With 2 x clasps 'Lucknow' & 'Relief of Lucknow' (Lieut J. Hunter, 78th Highlanders.)
The contemporary silk medal riband fitted with a fine contemporary 2 x pronged buckle brooch, with makers marks for 'Hunt & Roskell'. The reverse of the brooch retaining its long hinged pin and clasp fittings, and as-worn by the recipient
Rare to Regiment Medal & Clasp Combination: 823 x Indian Mutiny Medals were issued to the 78th (Highlanders) Regiment of Foot (or The Ross-shire Buffs), but only 5 x medals with the clasps 'Lucknow' & 'Relief of Lucknow' were awarded to the regiment - all to Officers including this, to Lieutenant John Hunter
Medal & Clasps Verification: The medal and both clasps confirmed as entitled per the respective campaign medal roll referenced below:
- Indian Mutiny Medal & clasps 'L' & 'ROL': WO 100./38. Under remarks, shows that by the time the medal roll was compiled he was serving as 'Captain in 17th Foot'
The medal roll shows that the medal was awarded in respect of 'Field Service', at the actions of 'Relief of Lucknow', and engaged at the operations against 'Lucknow 2nd - 16th March 1858'
The referenced medal contains a most useful abstract analysis of medals awarded to the 78th Highlanders, which we are summarising as under:
- 54 x medals with single clasp for 'Relief of Lucknow'
- 5 x medals with clasps 'Relief of Lucknow' & 'Lucknow'
- 506 x medals with clasps, for 'Defence of Lucknow' & 'Lucknow'
- 2 x medals with single clasp for 'Relief of Lucknow'
- 134 x medals with single clasp, for 'Defence of Lucknow'
- 1 x medal with single clasp, for 'Central India'
- 121 x medals with no clasp
Total number of medals awarded to 78th Highlanders was 823 x medals
John Hunter did not serve in the 'Persia' campaign, and did not subsequently earn any other campaign medals. This Indian Mutiny Medal being his full and only campaign medal entitlement in respect of his military services
John Hunter's military record of service was:
- Ensign 78th Highlanders: 21 May 1847
- Lieutenant: 6 December 1850
- Captain 17th Foot: By promotion 10 March 1858
- Staff Officer of Pensioners: 16 September 1865
- To Half Pay: 12 January 1866
War Services: Served with the 78th Highlanders during the Indian Mutiny campaign in 1857-58, and was present at the Alam Bagh, during the relief of Lucknow by Sir Colin Campbell; also with Outram's force at the Alam Bagh. including the repulse of the numerous attacks and the operations ending in the final capture of Lucknow (medal and two clasps)
A very desirable and scarce seen on the market to an officer of the 78th Highlanders, a.k.a. 'The Saviours of India' for their distinguished services during the Indian Mutiny
Condition: GVF
Code: 25621