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

Soldiers’ Total Abstinence Association, silver eight-pointed star, 36 mm, raised central boss with sun-burst radiating arms, reverse plain, fitted with swivel-ring suspension and top suspension brooch inscribed ‘Afghanistan 1879’, good very fine and scarce
£60-80

A Guide to Military Temperence Medals by David A. Harris, records this badge at STA.8 but its origins remain unclear, possibly a regimental award. Whilst he also records a clasp for Afghanistan, there is no record of one dated 1879.