Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Capt. Emanuel Bradbury, 1st Dragn. Gds.), officially impressed naming, original silk riband, nearly extremely fine £600-700

Emanuel Bradbury, who was born in April 1808, served in the ranks of the 1st Dragoon Guards for about 20 years, latterly as a Trumpeter Sergeant-Major and Regimental Sergeant-Major. In December 1846, he obtained a Cornetcy in the regiment, following which he was appointed Adjutant in January 1847 and advanced to Lieutenant in May 1848.

Having then been promoted to Captain in June 1855, and served in Canada, India and China, where he was severely wounded, he retired by the sale of his commission in March 1863; so states his own hand written account of his career.

In December 1871, Bradbury wrote to the Military Secretary at Horse Guards, requesting his re-instatement in his old regiment in the rank of Captain, a request accompanied by several references. He died in February 1872 and is buried at St. Peter’s Church, Bedford.

Sold with an old copy of the recipient’s letter to Horse Guards, in his own hand, dated 7 December 1871, together with his commission warrants for the ranks of Cornet, Lieutenant and Captain, and warrant appointing him Adjutant of the 1st Dragoon Guards in January 1847, the whole with usual official seals and signed by Queen Victoria; and an original studio portrait photograph, in uniform.

See Lot 0000 for the recipient’s related miniature dress medal.