Antiques & Militaria

This is a nice India General Service Medal with a Burma clasp ‘1885-7’ to ‘Pte.J.Foley’? Somerset Light Infantry. The obverse carries the wyon profile of ‘Queen Victoria’ with the reverse showing ‘Victory’ crowning a semi-nude warrior. The medal was first instituted in ‘1854’ to cover minor campaigns in India, and carried on for 41 years. With a total of 24 clasps issued. n 1852 Lord Dalhousie had suggested a general service medal for smaller Indian campaigns, in order to limit the number of individual medals awarded. Indian Army units made up the majority of forces present for nearly all campaigns. While the expeditions covered by the medal included few formal battles, most were undertaken in difficult terrain against determined resistance from local tribesmen. This example carries the ‘Burma 1885-7’ clasp. The medal and correct ribbon are in good condition is engraved to the rim with ‘884 Pte.J.Foley? 2nd Bn Som.L.I’ . The price includes UK postage.