Volunteer Officers’ Decoration, V.R. cypher, the reverse hallmarked London 1892 and additionally engraved with regimental crest of ‘2nd Prince of Wales Vol Batt Devon Reg’ and inscription ‘Major Joseph Mathews 33 Years Commission Service. 1893’, complete with top suspension brooch in its Garrard & Co case of issue, nearly extremely fine £160-£200

Sold with a Carte de Visite photograph and another larger one of Major Mathews in uniform, both by Heath, Plymouth, the latter inscribed on the reverse ‘Reduced Copy - Presented to Major Joseph Mathews by the N.C. Officers and Men of the Tavistock Detachment 2nd (Prince of Wales) Volunteer Battalion Devonshire Regiment as a Token of respect on his retirement after 32 years service. Decr. 1891. Taken in his 72nd Year.’