Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Crimea 1854-56, 1 clasp, Sebastopol (Wm. Shanks 1st Bn. 3rd Regt.) officially impressed naming, pierced at 12 o’clock, suspension re-fixed, top lugs removed from clasp, heavy edge bruising and contact wear, fine £120-160

William Shanks was born in the Parish of Aghadey, County Down, and attested for the 3rd Foot on 29 January 1855, aged 22 years. Promoted to Corporal in December 1859 and to Sergeant in October 1861, he transferred to the 103rd Fusiliers in that rank on 1 March 1863. He was appointed Sergeant Instructor of Musketry on 15 February 1864, and was discharged from the service on 11 April 1876, after total service of 21 years 73 days. During that period he served overseas in the Crimea 9 months, Corfu 2 months, India 8 years 2 months, China 1 year, and Canada 4 months. He was ‘in possession of the Crimean, Turkish and China medals’. Sold with copied discharge papers which do not confirm clasp for Sebastopol.