The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals

The unique campaign and long service group of four to Sergeant-Major James Woods, 1st Bombay European Fusiliers

(a) Punjab 1848-49, 2 clasps, Mooltan, Goojerat (Serjt. Jas. Wood, 1st Eur. Fusiliers)

(b) Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Serjt. Major Jas. Wood, 1st Bombay Eurn. Fusrs.)

(c) Honourable East India Company L.S. & G.C., V.R., 1859 issue with obverse bust of Queen Victoria and Anchor reverse (Serjeant Major J. Wood, 1st European Regt. Fusilier)

(d) Honourable East India Company Meritorious Service Medal, V.R., very rare variety dated ‘1848’ under the Queen’s bust (Serjeant Major James Woods, 1st Bomy. Euro. Regt. Fusiliers) edge bruising and contact marks, otherwise nearly very fine and extremely rare
£2000-2500

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Ritchie Collection of H.E.I.C. and British India Medals.

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Ex Glendining March 1901, ‘a unique group of medals of the greatest interest, all impressed.’

James Woods, a native of Manchester and by trade a piercer, attested for unlimited service at Oldham on 16 December 1840. He arrived in India aboard the Euxine in 1841, having been posted to the 1st Regiment Bombay European Infantry (Fusiliers). Having completed twenty years and five months service, he was discharged on pension, upon the Bombay Europeans joining the Home Establishment, at Poona, on 10 May 1861. His discharge certificate describes his character as ‘Very good. Has been a Non Commissioned Officer for upwards of fifteen years, and is in possession of the Gratuity and Medal for long service and good conduct.’ His Meritorious Service Medal was announced in G.G.O. No. 291 of 1861, together with a £10 Annuity, with effect from the 28th March 1861. Sergeant-Major Woods left for England by the overland route on 12 June 1861.

Refs: IOL L/MIL/12/112; IOL L/MIL/10/302 f.156; IOL L/MIL/12/284.