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

The scarce ‘Anchor reverse’ H.E.I.C. long service medal to Sergeant-Major Alexander Munroe, 23rd Regiment Light Infantry

Honourable East India Company L.S. & G.C., V.R., 1859 issue with obverse bust of Queen Victoria and Anchor reverse (Sergt. Major Alexr. Munroe, 23rd Regt. L.I.) the obverse scratched below the Queen’s eye, otherwise toned, extremely fine
£350-400

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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Collection

The true origins of this medal are unknown but it would appear that about 100 were struck in error by Wyon and sent out to India in 1859. They are known to have been issued to all three presidencies but the mistake was only discovered the following year by the Government of Bombay, by which time they had probably all been issued.

In 1873, in response to an India Office request to explain the ‘difference in design of the Medals for “Long Service and Good Conduct” and “Meritorious Service,” supplied to this Office, and those supplied to the War Office,’ Mr Wyon replied as requested but added ‘There is also a Naval Long Service Medal but it has probably never been used.’