The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals (Part 2)

(James Pearce, Late Seaman, H.M.S. St Vincent. 22 Years) inverted reverse variety, fitted with replacement swivel suspension, the medal buckled and with contact marks and edge bruising, therefore good fine but scarce

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Douglas-Morris Collection of Naval Medals.

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An ‘Inverted Reverse’ Type medal. The rate of ‘Seaman’ on his medal masks his former career as a Private R.M., enlisting in March 1811 aged 18 years, born London. He later sought transfer to the Royal Marine Artillery in March 1817, and served in that Corps until he was unexpectedly discharged - made redundant - in January 1831 when the R.M.A. was reduced from eight companies to four. It was reduced further to only two companies in 1832. His opportunity to complete the time necessary to claim a pension soon arrived. On 10 March 1831, he and 43 other ex-R.M.A. men were allowed to join H.M.S. ST VINCENT in the rate of Able Seamen. Pearce remained there until the ship was paid off on 23 May 1834, by which time he had completed an adequate number of years to allow his request to be pensioned. He was amongst eight men who were recommended for the L.S. & G.C. medal and gratuity when ST VINCENT was paid off.