A Guide to the Exhibition of English Medals

by British Museum. Department of Coins and Medals; Herbert A. Grueber

572. Another. Turkish Award, 1801. Obv. Crescent and star; ornamental border. Rev. Cypher of Sultán Selim III.; ornamental border, in which 1801. Gold. Size 1·6. Loop for suspension. Ribbon, dark orange.

After the defeat of the French in Egypt 1801, the Sultán instituted an order of Knighthood designated the Crescent, which he conferred on the general officers of the English forces. At the same time he presented gold medals of three sizes: the largest (size 2.) to the Generals and Admirals; the middle size (as above) to Field Officers and Captains R.N.; and the smallest (see next medal) to Captains and Subalterns and Lieutenants R.N.

573. Another. Same, but smaller. Gold. Size 1·4. This is a medal of the smallest size.

574. Campaign in Southern Italy and Sicily: Battle of Maida, 1806. Obv. Head of George III. l., laur. GEORGIVS TERTIVS REX; on neck, G. F. P. Rev. Britannia l., as Pallas, brandishing spear; on l. arm, shield; above, Victory r. with wreath; behind, triquetra, symbol of Sicily. MAIDA. IVL. IV. MDCCCVI. PIDGEON F. Gold. Size 1·4. By G. F. Pidgeon. The whole within gold band. Ribbon, red with blue edges.

This medal commemorates the battle of Maida, 4 July, 1806, in which the French under Regnier were defeated by the English under Sir John Stuart. It was only given to the Commander-in-chief of the forces engaged; to officers in command of brigades, of battalions or of corps equivalent to a battalion, or to the officers who succeeded when the original commander was disabled; and to the Deputy Quartermaster-General.

575. Peninsular War: Battles of the Pyrenees, 1813—1814. Obv. Hibernia seated l., holding wreath; at her side, harp. Rev. Within laurel-wreath, ORTHES. TOULOUSE. PYRENEES. NIVELLE. NIVE; engraved: above, 88; wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·2. Clasp: PENINSULA. Ribbon, red with blue edges.

There were medals of three distinct classes for the Peninsular War struck at the expense of the officers of the 88th Regiment, Connaught Rangers. That of the first class was in the form of a Maltese cross, and was bestowed upon those of the regiment who had been engaged in twelve actions. The second class medal, of the type above described, was given to those who had served in from seven to eleven actions; and the third class, of the same type as the second, to such as had served in any number less than seven. The above is an example of the third class.

576. Waterloo Medal, 1815. Obv. Head of Prince Regent l., laur. GEORGE P. REGENT. T. WYON JUN. S. Rev. Victory, holding palm and olive-branch, seated l., on pedestal inscribed, WATERLOO; beneath, JUNE 18. 1815; above, WELLINGTON. T. WYON S. Wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By T. Wyon and T. Wyon Junior. Ribbon, crimson edged with blue.

By order of the Prince Regent, 10 Mar. 1816, this medal was conferred upon every officer and soldier present at the battle of Waterloo. The reverse type is adapted from an ancient coin of Elis. (Guide to Greek Coins, p. 28, No. [31].)

577. Service in India, 1799—1826. Obv. Head of Queen l., wearing coronet. VICTORIA REGINA; on neck, W. WYON R.A. Rev. Victory seated l., holding olive-branch and wreath; at her side, lotus; in the distance, trophy of arms at base of palm-tree. TO THE ARMY OF INDIA; in ex., 1799—1826. W. W. Wearer's name on edge. Silver. Size 1·4. By W. Wyon. Clasp: BHURTPOOR. Ribbon, pale blue.