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Auction: 22075 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 100

A very fine M.S.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. Challiner, 78th Highlanders, late 17th (Leicestershire) Foot

Ghuznee 1839 (Jon. Challiner 17th Regt.), engraved naming to rim; India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Persia (Serjt. J. Challiner, 78th Highlanders); Indian Mutiny 1857-59, 2 clasps, Defence of Lucknow, Lucknow (Serjt. J. Challiner, 78th Highlanders); Army Meritorious Service Medal, V.R. (Serjt. J. Challiner 78th Highlanders.), contact marks, very fine and a superb combination (4)

M.S.M. awarded circa 1858.

John Challiner was born at Salford in May 1815 and enlisted in the 17th Foot at Leicester on 28 February 1838. He served with them during the campaign in Afghanistan and was present at the storming and capture of Ghuznee. Challiner transferred to the 78th Highlanders on 31 January 1847 and saw further service in Persia and during the Indian Mutiny. He was awarded the M.S.M. with a £10 annuity to go with his three campaign awards and was discharged on 26 May 1859, his complexion by that time 'sallow'. His annuity was paid by the East India Company 1858-59 and then Indian Government until 1872. The Surgeon of the 78th noted:

'...he has suffered frequently from fever since he has served in India over 20 years, in consequence of which he has latterly become extremely debilitated. Disease caused by climate and not aggravated by ...or intemperance.'

Returned home to Salford and living at 136 Eccles New Road in 1871, Challiner was noted as shoemaker and Chelsea Pensioner. He died in March 1878.

McInnes notes the group last seen for sale on the market in 1946; purchased in July of that year as part of the Dalrymple-White Collection.

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Sold for
£8,500