A rare 4-clasp Indian Mutiny medal to Gunner William McDonald, Bengal Artillery

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 4 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow, Central India (Gunr. Wm. McDonald, 1st Bn. Bengal Art.) edge bruises, otherwise very fine and very rare
£1500-2000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals.

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Four-clasp medals were awarded to only 50 European recipients, all serving with the 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, Bengal Artillery.

William McDonald, a Boiler Maker from Renfrew, attested for the Bengal Artillery at Glasgow on 5 April 1856, at the age of twenty-one. After service before Delhi and Lucknow, he joined the 3rd Company, 1st Battalion, Artillery, in January 1858. McDonald was discharged at his own request at Lucknow on 6 August 1859, after three years and 123 days service. His Discharge Papers note that he ‘claims medal for siege and capture of Delhie - siege of Lucknow and capture of Calpee - campaign in Oude 1858/59 - and any prize that may be given for above service’. It appears that McDonald managed to recover part of the cost of his riding overalls by being permitted to pass them on to another soldier learning to ride. Five foot nine Gunner McDonald declared an intention to return to Glasgow.

Ref: IOL L/MIL/10/308.