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Auction: 20002 - Orders, Decorations, Medals & Space Exploration
Lot: 67

(x) The Indian Mutiny Medal awarded to Private A. Fairweather, 1st European Bengal Fusiliers, who received a severe gunshot wound to the arm on 14 July 1857 which resulted in his disability and discharge

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 1 clasp, Delhi (Alexr. Fairweather, 1st. Eurn. Bengal Fusrs.), minor edge bruise, good very fine

Alexander Fairweather was born around 1812 at Forfar, Scotland, and attested at Edinburgh for the 1st Battalion, European Bengal Fusiliers on 3 February 1848. Displaying a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair, Fairweather was sent as a fresh recruit to Warley Barracks before serving in Bengal from 21 October 1848.

Posted to Dagshai on 1 September 1856, Fairweather was was severely wounded in action on 14 July 1857, suffering a gunshot wound to the right arm. The bullet wound resulted in a severe fracture of the right forearm and further examination by a Medical Committee at Ferozepore by 1st Class Staff Surgeon H. Pillean. Found incapable of any further service in India, Fairweather was invalided from the service on 15 August 1857, his character and conduct noted as 'good'. On returning to London on 6 July 1859, Fairweather was examined by W. G. Sharrett, Inspector Surgeon at 49 Leadenhall Street:

'This is to certify that I have this day carefully examined invalid Private Alexander Fairweather and I find that he bears the marks of two very severe gunshot wounds on his right arm which have been followed by exfoliation of bone, partial stiffening of the limb and the loss of muscular power, so that for the purposes of manual labour he may be considered to have permanently lost the use of his right arm.'

In consequence of this report, Fairweather was recommended for a pension; sold with copied research.


Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£520

Starting price
£300