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Auction: 314 - Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 1075

1854 British Crimean War Service Medal. 40.26gms - silver and ribbon. 36mm. By: W. Wyon (British maker). Obv: Leftward facing crowned Victoria. Rev: Allegorical fame crowning soldier with laurel wreath; Crimea in left field. Ribbon: Light blue in center with thin yellow stripe at edge. Ribbon Bar: Sebastopol. Lightly polished, but remaining nearly fully detailed and retoned nicely. The original ribbon remains attached and aside from being moderately soiled remains in fine condition. Unmarked on the edge, thus withholding name of awardee. Overall, a charming example from this well-known conflict against the Russian Empire. A medal that raises more questions than it provides answers as it is part of an archive that was personally owned by General George Custer, but the reason for this particular medal´s inclusion remains a mystery.While speculatory, a possible reason behind the inclusion of this medal alongside Custer´s personal medals can be tied to General McClellan. During the Crimean War, the Army sent McClellan between 1853 and 1856 as an observer. During that time, he reported largely on the siege operations around Sevastopol. This work may have very well garnered him a medal of observation (differentiated from the other medals by the lack of edge engraving). Later in his military career, McClellan served as a mentor for Custer - their mutual fondness being well documented. It´s this affinity that leaves open the possibility that McClellan may have gifted the observers Crimean medal to Custer at some point, perhaps at his passing.

Sold for
$800