Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Dublin Yeomanry Tribute Badge 1901, openwork circlet inscribed ‘61st 2nd Dublin Yeomanry 1901’, surrounding a shamrock, inscribed ‘For Valour’, the whole surmounted by a crown, reverse inscribed ‘11244 J. W. Pratt, From their fellow countrymen’, with brooch fitting to reverse, this obscuring the word ‘their‘ and the ‘me‘ of countrymen, 9ct. gold, 5.10g., hallmarks for Birmingham 1901, 29 x 23mm., good very fine, rare £450-500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Boer War Tribute Medals formed by the late George Williams.

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Ref: Hibbard B2.

Ex D.N.W. 29 March 2000.

These medals were presented to the officers and men of the 61st (South Irish Horse) Company, 2nd (Dublin) Imperial Yeomanry at the welcome home reception on 11 June 1901 in Dublin. They were individually presented to each man by Lady Fingall, who was the wife of the Commanding Officer of the Company, to each of the six officers and 57 other ranks who were present. Boer War Tribute Medals, by M. G. Hibbard states that just three examples of this medal, not including the medal to Pratt, are known to have survived.

William Pratt was born in Durrow, Queen’s County. A Clerk by occupation he attested for service with the Imperial Yeomanry Volunteers at Newbridge on 22 January 1900, aged 19 years, 6 months. With the 61st Company (South Irish Horse) Imperial Yeomanry he served in South Africa, April 1900-June 1901. He was discharged on 15 June 1901 at the termination of his period of engagement. With copied service papers.