Pair: Trumpeter S. Masters, Royal Surrey Militia, late 4th Light Dragoons, 15th Hussars and 12th Lancers

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Trumpr. S. Masters. 12th Lans.) contemporary engraved naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, British issue (Corpol. S. Masters. 12th Lancers) contemporary engraved naming, fitted with narrow-swivel-bar suspension, the first with refixed suspension claw, contact marks and edge bruising, good fine (2) £240-£280

Provenance: Roderick Cassidy Collection, Dix Noonan Webb, December 2004.

Stephen Masters was born at Maidstone, Kent, and originally enlisted in the 4th Light Dragoons in September 1838, aged 15 years. Transferring as a Trumpeter to the 15th Hussars in April 1840, he again moved regiment in February 1854, when he joined the 12th Lancers, and witnessed active service in the Crimea in the Sebastopol operations. Masters, who was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in April 1862, finally transferred to the 2nd Royal Surrey Militia in November 1862 and was discharged as a Trumpeter in April 1867.