New Zealand 1845-66, reverse dated ‘1863 to 1864’ (Wm. Clay, Captn F Top. H.M.S. Eclipse) impressed naming, very fine and rare

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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His medal was issued on 2 November 1870 and is one of two known to the ship with these dates which should normally be ‘1863 to 1865’.

Born in London on 7 August 1834. First entered the service as an Ord 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. CRESSY on 27 April 1854 until 31 December 1855, seeing service in the Baltic for which he received the medal. Subsequently served aboard H.M. Ships DRAKE (1857-59) being advanced to A.B. in October 1857, EXCELLENT (1859-61) achieving the specialist rate of "Diver" in June 1860, BACCHANTE (1861-63) where he received Petty Officer status as Quartermaster and Captain of the Hold in May and July 1863 respectively, and then served aboard ST GEORGE (1865-68) as a Gunner's Mate. After three more years aboard EXCELLENT (1868-71) he served his last Commission aboard H.M.S. MINOTAUR (August 1871 to March 1873) from which vessel he was "pensioned with medal" after 20 years service upon being discharged to shore.