The Crimea War miniature dress medals worn by Colonel J. H. Buller, H.M’s Body Guard of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, late 57th Regiment and Military Train

Pair: Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasp, Inkermann, Sebastopol; Turkish Crimea 1855, British die, swivel-loop suspension, on original silver wearing bar, with gold pin, but the second detached owing to worn riband, very fine and better

Three: Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Inkermann, Sebastopol (James Hornby Buller, Lieutt., 57th Regt.), old engraved naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian die (Lieut. Jas. Hornby Buller, 57th Regt.), old engraved naming, swivel-loop suspension and Hunt & Roskell silver riband buckle with gold pin for wearing; Jubilee 1887, silver, the first good fine, the remainder rather better (5) £200-300

James Hornby Buller was born at Lanreath, Cornwall in August 1831 and obtained an Ensigncy in the 57th Regiment in January 1852.

Advanced to Lieutenant in July 1855, he saw action in the Crimea, where, according to Hart’s Army List, ‘he was very severely wounded in the trenches before Sebastopol and again whilst being carried back to camp.’ The same source states he was entitled to the Medal & clasp and Turkish Medal, so it is possible he was attached to another unit Inkermann; if so, most likely the Military Train, to which he was officially transferred in the rank of Captain in early 1857.

Buller obtained his Majority in the Military Train in October 1863, prior to being placed on half-pay. Nonetheless, he advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1870 and given the honorary rank of Colonel in September 1877, following which, in March 1881, he gained appointment to Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms. The Colonel died at Epsom, Surrey in August 1895.

Sold with the recipient’s original commission warrants for Ensign in the 57th Regiment; Captain and Major in the Military Train; Lieutenant-Colonel, and Hon. Colonel, on half-pay, and Royal warrant appointing him to the H.M’s Body Guard of the Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms, with red wax seal.

Also see Lots 590 and 660 for further family awards.