Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An R.V.M. and scarce Coronation 1911 ’Royal Parks’ group of five awarded to Sergeant-Major J. King, Royal Highlanders, later Park Keeper, Holyrood Park, and Chief Warder, Holyrood Palace

Royal Victorian Medal, G.V.R., silver (... Warder J. King. Holyrood ... 23.); Egypt and Sudan 1882-89, dated reverse, 1 clasp, Tel-El-Kebir (2477 Cpl. J. King, 1/R. Hrs.); Coronation 1911, Royal Parks (J. King.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (4673 C.Sjt: J. King. Rl. Hdrs.); Khedive’s Star 1882, the reverse inscribed ‘2477 Cpl. John King 1’ R.Hrs.’, heavy contact marks and pitting from Star, therefore fair, and likely a unique combination of awards (5) £800-£1,200

Approximately 119 ‘Royal Parks’ Coronation 1911 medals awarded.

John King attested for the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) in 1880, and in August 1882 marched with the 1st Battalion from Edinburgh Castle for service in Egypt. He served on a number of overseas garrisons, and was awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1908. Upon retiring from the Army he was appointed Park Keeper in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, before transferring to the Palace as a Warder of the Historical Apartments in 1912, being appointed Chief Warder in 1919. He was awarded the Royal Victorian Medal in silver in 1923, being personally presented with his medal by H.M. King George V on 16 July 1923 during the latter’s visit to Edinburgh.