Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, North West Frontier (1683 A. McFarlane, 53rd Regt.) nearly extremely fine £160-200

Private Alexander McFarlane served in the Sutlej Campaign and was present at the skirmish at Buddiwal and the battles of Aliwal and Sobraon (Medal and clasp); served in the Punjab Campaign at the battle of Goojerat (Medal and clasp); in the campaign against the hill tribes on the Peshawar border (Medal with clasp) and in the Indian Mutiny at the action at Kudjwar, relief of Lucknow, battle of Cawnpore, action at Kallee Nuddee, skirmish at Shumshabad, the storming of Meeangung, siege and capture of Lucknow - where he was wounded, the actions at Koorsie, Gogra and Toolsepore and the attack on Fort of Bungeon (Medal with two clasps).

McFarlane was one of only 14 men to serve with the 53rd Regiment throughout their tour of India: December 1844-March 1860.

The 53rd Foot Regiment qualified for the clasp ‘North West Frontier’ although they had taken no part in the fighting. The approach of the 53rd is stated to have caused the troublesome tribesmen to yield! At a later date the authorities changed their minds as to the regiment’s entitlement and stated that no further clasps were to be awarded the regiment for this campaign. Some 120 medals with the clasp ‘North West Frontier’ are believed to have been issued. Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.