Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Captain E. Bradbury, Kings Dn. Gds.), contemporary engraved naming, with Phillips & Co., Cockspur Street riband buckle with gold reverse pin, very fine £80-120

Emanuel Bradbury was born in April 1808, and 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 was promoted Lieutenant in May 1848 and Captain in June 1855. He served with the Regiment in Canada, India, and China, where he was severely wounded, and retired by the sale of his commission in March 1863.

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.

Note: Captain Bradbury’s full sized China Medal sold in these rooms in September 2016.