Pair: Brevet-Major H. Nicoll, 50th Native Infantry

Punniar Star 1843 (Lieutt., 50th Regt. Native Infy.), with riveted back-strap and bar suspension; Punjab 1848-49, no clasp (Lieutt., 50th Regt. Native Infy.), this last officially engraved in running script but corrected in parts, contact marks and edge bruising, about very fine or better (2) £500-600

Nicoll, who was appointed an Ensign in the 50th Native Infantry in December 1834, served as a Lieutenant in Bundlecund in 1842 and in the Sonthal campaign 1855-56, in addition to participating in the Gwalior (Bronze Star) and Punjab 1848-49 operations (Medal). Having been advanced to Captain in October 1849, he went on to witness active service in the Indian Mutiny, serving as a Brigade Major with the Delhi Field Force in 1857, when he was present at the action of Badlee-ka-Serai and at the taking of the heights before Delhi, and was mentioned in despatches by Brigadier Groves on 8 June 1857. A second “mention” followed from Brigadier Longford for his part in the siege, assault and final capture of the city, as did his appointment to Brevet-Major in January 1858 (Medal and clasp).