South Africa 1834-53 (Pte. T. Dakin Late 90th Foot) officially impressed naming but in a slightly later style, rather polished, otherwise nearly very fine £260-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The John Nicholson Collection of medals to men who fought in the Kaffir Wars of 1834-53.

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Thomas Dakin was born at Rochester, Kent, and enlisted into the 90th Light Infantry at Croydon on 5 March 1838, aged 18 years 5 months, a tailor by trade. He served 12 years 230 days, including 5 years 6 months in Ceylon, and 2 years at the Cape of Good Hope, where he served in the Kaffir War of 1846-47. He was discharged at Cork on 20 October 1851, suffering from chronic rheumatism the result of ‘climate and exposure when on active service at the Cape of Good Hope.’

It is interesting to note that his claim for his medal was investigated and approved on 1 August 1857, hence the slightly later style of impressed naming. Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.