New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated 1865 (Thos. Bath, O.S., H.M.S. Eclipse) officially impressed naming, traces of brooch marks to reverse and suspension re-fixed, some edge bruising, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce £260-300

Ex Hamilton-Smith Collection 1927

H.M.S. Eclipse was a wooden screw sloop. Thomas Bath's medal was issued on 12 November 1870. Only 24 medals are known to have been awarded to the Royal Navy with this reverse date, 11 to Eclipse and 13 to Brisk. 75 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 49 to R.N. ratings, and 13 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Eclipse of which 34 are known, including 11 with reverses dated 1865, 3 with reverses dated 1863-1864, one with reverse dated 1864-1866, and the balance dated 1863-1865.