Royal Navy L.S. & G.C., V.R., wide suspension (Ge. Patterson. Capt. Qr. Dk. Men. H.M.S. Minotaur 20 Yrs) pawnbroker’s graffiti in obverse field, otherwise good very fine £500-£600

George Patterson/Pattison was born at Shields, Durham, on 2 January 1832. His record of service (ADM 139) is incomplete but it does confirm his service aboard H.M.S. Minotaur as a Petty Officer 1st Class from 1 January 1873 until 15 May 1873, when he was shore pensioned. Furthermore, the Naval and Military Gazette for May 17, 1873, carries the following announcement:

‘MINOTAUR, armour-plated screw ship, Capt. Fitzroy, flagship of Rear-Admiral Hornby, late in command of the Channel squadron, was paid off at Portsmouth on Thursday last, and the crew granted the customary leave. George Patterson, captain of the quarter deck was recommended to the Lords of the Admiralty to receive a medal and £15 gratuity for long services. Admiral Hornby’s flag was struck at sunset, and the ship placed in the third class Steam Reserve.’