Orders, Decorations and Medals

Military General Service 1793-1814, 10 clasps, Maida, Roleia, Vimiera, Sahagun & Benevente, Talavera, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, Vittoria, St. Sebastian, Nive (Thos. Dolphin, Arty. Driver) original frosted finish, one or two very minor marks, otherwise brilliant extremely fine and a unique medal £1800-2200

See Colour Plate V

Ex Hyde Greg Collection 1887: ‘A rare and valuable medal. “R.66, Private Arty. Driver with different Companies, included in 4th, 5th and 6th payments for Prize money.” (Vide War Office Medal Rolls for R. Artillery). This is a very remarkable medal, both from the “Maida” clasp being combined with so many others, and from the rare “Sahagun Benevente” clasp; also from its splendid condition (mint state). A friend of Capt. Greg’s gave it to him. It belonged to Dolphin’s widow; he was ill when he received it from War Office, and died soon after.’

Only nine clasps were issued to the Royal Artillery for Sahagun & Benevente, and fifty for Maida, this combination being unique, not only to the Artillery but also the entire Army.

Thomas Dolphin was born at Evesham, Worcestershire, and enlisted there for the Royal Artillery on 1 August 1803, at the age of seventeen. He was discharged on 30 November 1818, and ‘placed upon the Pension list at five pence per diem by Order of the Board of Ordnance.’ Sold with copy discharge papers.