Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 85

A scarce Military General Service and Army of India pair awarded to Private J. Sankey, 53rd (Shropshire) Regiment of Foot, later 38th (1st Staffordshire) Regiment of Foot

Military General Service 1793-1814, 3 clasps, Vittoria, Nivelle, Toulouse (John Sankey, 53rd Foot); Army of India 1799-1826, 1 clasp, Ava (J. Sankey, 38th Ft.), officially engraved naming, short hyphen reverse, contact marks, very fine (2)

Provenance:
BDW, December 1992 (A Small Collection of Medals to the Shropshire Light Infantry).
Dixon, Winter 2000.

John Sankey was born in 1792 and enlisted in July 1808. He appears on the Muster Rolls for the 2nd Battalion, 53rd Foot serving in France in 1813. He was promoted Corporal in February 1820, and volunteered to the 38th Regiment in July 1822. Having shared the campaign in Burma, apparently as a Private once more, he is noted in the muster roll of January 1825 as having 23 years of service. Sankey was discharged on account of stricture of the urethra.

Whilst his name does not appear on the rolls for the M.G.S.M., it is probable that his is one of numerous claims received from the Colonies for which the records have long since disappeared. The Medal itself is entirely genuine and as issued.

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

Sold for
£3,000

Starting price
£1600