The unique First Afghan War and M.S.M. group to Sergeant-Major Michael Brown, H.M.’s 13th (Somerset) Light Infantry

(a) Ghuznee 1839 (Serjt. Major M. Brown, 13 PALI) regimentally engraved naming, fitted with silver ribbon buckle inscribed “Ghuznee 23rd July 1839”

(b) Defence of Jellalabad 1842, Flying Victory (Serjt. Maj. Ml. Brown, 13th Regt.) officially impressed naming, fitted with silver ribbon buckle inscribed “Jellalabad 7th April 1842”

(c) Cabul 1842 (Serjt. Major Ml. Brown, 13th Lt. Infy.) regimentally engraved naming, fitted with replacement scroll suspension and silver ribbon buckle inscribed “Cabool 1842”

(d) Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Serjt. Maj. Michael Brown, 13th regt. 1847) officially impressed naming, fitted with silver ribbon buckle inscribed “Meritorious Services”, edge bruising and contact marks but generally nearly very fine and a very rare group (4) £4000-5000

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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Collection

Ex Glendining December 1901, ‘a unique group of medals of the highest interest’ (£41), and Stewart Collection 1915.

M.S.M. awarded on 29 November 1847, together with an Annuity of £20. The first 107 awards of the M.S.M. were dated 1847 on the edge.

Michael Brown was born in the Parish of Lillylish, Co. Down, and attested for the 10th Foot at Newry on 4 January 1823. He transferred to the 13th Foot in July 1825 and served with that regiment until his final discharge on 29 November 1847. He was promoted to Sergeant in August 1836, to Sergeant-Major in March 1843, and served abroad in the East Indies from July 1826 until July 1843.

According to Brown’s discharge documents, he ‘served with the Army of the Indus during the campaigns in Afghanistan in the years 1838, 39, 40, 41, & 42. Present at the storming of Ghuznee in July 1839 and the Forts of Tootumdurra and Julgah in Kohistan in 1840; present in the several engagements in forcing the passes from Cabool to Jellalabad in 1841 and in defence of the latter Fortress in 1841, 42. Present in the General Action at Jellalabad 7th April 1842, at Jugdullock 8th September, Tazeen 13th September and recapture of Cabool 15th September 1842’.

‘Is in possession of three medals viz: For the storming of Ghuznee, General action at Jellalabad, and occupation of Cabool. Received an Annuity £20 from 1st April 1846 under the Royal Warrant of the 19th December 1845, as a reward for his Good Conduct since his entry into Her Majesty’s Service.’

Ref: WO 97/341.