Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 17003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 652

23rd Light Dragoons Reward of Merit, silver, obverse, a Sphinx with pyramids behind and 'EGYPT' in the exergue, reverse, embossed inscription, 'The Reward of Merit and Faithful Service, XXIII L.D.', the edge engraved 'S. Coxen, 1815', 45 by 37mm., integral loop and straight-wire-bar suspension, edge bruise, good very fine and rare

Listed in Balmer [R110], in which the suspension is described as above, 'or a double silver loop, the top one triangular, and a straight-bar inscribed 'Peninsula' suspension bar.'

Stephen Coxen was appointed a Lieutenant in the 23rd Light Dragoons in November 1808 and was present at the battle of Talavera. He was subsequently killed in action at Waterloo, while serving as a Lieutenant in Captain Thomas Gerrard's Troop No. 1; the spelling of his surname in contemporary sources ranges from 'Coxen' to 'Coxene' and 'Coxens'.

Mullen's published roll states that his Waterloo Medal was 'sent to friends'; other reference sources state that his parents, Ebenezer and Anne Coxen, were granted a pension of £80 per annum and that his 'Prize money' for Waterloo - £34, 14s. and 9d. - was sent to a 'Captain Coxen, R.N.'

The above described award is the subject of a fascinating article in Medal News (September 2007), the author, Clive Richards, describing how his research into Coxen's career led to the discovery that such regimental medals were not the sole preserve of N.C.O.'s and other ranks. The contrary: of the seven known examples of the 23rd Light Dragoons Reward of Merit, four were likely awards to officers.



Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£550