Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 4 clasps, Delhi, Relief of Lucknow, Lucknow, Central India (Corns. Barron, 75th Regt.) fitted with Indian Mutiny style ribbon brooch, suspension re-fixed, nearly very fine £2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to The Gordon Highlanders and Associated Units from the Collection of A.J. Henderson.

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This medal has a interesting history that probably makes it unique to the British Army. When it originally appeared in dealer Ken Lovell’s list it had the single clasp for Central India. After a period in Australia the medal resurfaced in the collection of the late Vivian Mann, better known as the writer of historical fiction under the nom de plume of Vivian Stuart, but it now had three clasps for Delhi, Relief of Lucknow and Lucknow only. Cornelius Barron correctly appears on the medal roll of the 75th Regiment for these three clasps, one of only nine men of the regiment so entitled. However, the medal roll also notes against his name, ‘Serving with Artillery’, and it is possible that he did in fact qualify for the Central India clasp whilst serving with an artillery unit in that campaign. Whilst it has so far not been possible to confirm this on any muster, prize or medal roll, his service papers contain the following annotation under the heading for Good Conduct Badges, Badges of Merit and for Gallant Conduct in the Field: ‘Conduct has been Good and he is in possession of one Good Conduct Badge and he is in possession of the Indian Mutiny Medal and 4 clasps for Service in the Field.’

Cornelius Barron was born in the Parish of Doon, County Limerick, and attested for the 75th Regiment at Tipperary on 26 February 1853, aged 18. After service throughout the Mutiny, he re-engaged for 11 years in November 1862 and received one years additional service for Alumbagh. He transferred to the Royal Canadian Rifles in July 1866 and served with that unit in Canada until his discharge at Kingston, Ontario, on 6 May 1870, due to disbandment of the corps. He received his final discharge at Chichester later that year and declared his intended place of residence as being ‘Devonport, England.’ Sold with copy discharge papers, full muster details and copy medal rolls. For further details see article by A. J. Henderson on OMRS Journal, Winter 1993, Never take anything for granted.