Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 19003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 4

The poignant Crimea Medal awarded to Captain J. Shiffner, 34th Foot, who was killed by grapeshot while leading his men in the First Attack on the Redan on 18 June 1855 and posthumously mentioned in dispatches

Crimea 1854-56, no clasp (Capt. J. Shiffner. 34th Regt.), officially impressed naming, virtually as struck, in card box of issue

M.I.D. London Gazette 25 June 1855.

John Shiffner, son of The Rev. Sir George Shiffner, was commissioned into the 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot on 15 October 1841. He rose to Lieutenant on 31 March 1843, and became a Captain in the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment on 3 August 1849. The 34th joined the Crimean War later than most regiments, arriving at Balaklava on 9 December 1854. It played a prominent part in repelling the Russian sortie from Sebastopol on 22 March 1855. A faded photograph (SHR/1330.) shows Shiffner in the uniform of a Captain of the 34th, smoking a cigar in the camp before Sebastopol. He was killed by grapeshot in the First Attack on the Redan on 18 June 1855. During this unsuccessful assault the 34th suffered over 200 casualties. Only two officers of the regiment escaped death or injury. Shiffner's death was announced in The London Gazette on 4 July 1855. He received a posthumous mention in Lord Raglan's dispatch (London Gazette 25 June 1855).

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

Sold for
£1,800

Starting price
£700