Historical and Art Medals, Numismatic Books

Victoria (1837-1901), Royal Geographical Society, East Africa Expedition 1878-1880, a copper medal, unsigned [after W. Wyon], legends in and around wreath, rev. Britannia standing left, holding scroll and laurel, globe and sextant behind, 39mm. Pierced and with suspension ring, otherwise fine, very rare (£80-100)

The expedition, to find a feasible route from Dar-es-Salaam to the central African lakes, was led by Keith Johnston (1844-79), the Scottish cartographer and son of Alexander Keith Johnson (1804-71) of the distinguished Edinburgh map-makers, W. & A.K. Johnston. However, a few weeks after setting off from Zanzibar, Johnston succumbed to dysentery in June 1879 and command passed to another Scot, Joseph Thomson (1858-95). Though only 21, Thomson’s coolness and tact were remarkable and he successfully conducted the expedition across the desolate region of Uhehe and Ubena to the north end of Lake Nyasa, and then by a hitherto unexplored track to Lake Tanganyika. From Tanganyika he started to reach the Congo, but troubles with his carriers, who dreaded the warlike Warua, obliged him to retrace his steps. Going round the south end of Tanganyika he discovered Lake Rukwa, whence he marched via Tabora to the coast at Bagamoyo, returning to London in August 1880. The minute book of the African Exploration Fund committee, 15 November 1880, record that 150 native members of the expedition should receive copper medals (which they did in 1881, the cost of the medals being £41 16s. and the silk cord to suspend them £12). Sold with further details, including an engraving of Keith Johnson