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Auction: 397 - Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria - e-Auction
Lot: 201

Ex Duke and Duchess of Windsor 1801 Abercromby Medal

Great Britain. The Highland Society's Medal for Egypt, 1801 as presented to the Prince of Wales in 1913. Bronze, 49mm. Struck by G.F. Pidgeon after a design by Benjamin West. Bust of Lt. General Sir Ralph Abercromby right; ABERCROMBIUS DUX IN EGYPTO CECIDIT VICTOR 28 MAR 1801. On the reverse a Highlander right brings his sword back to strike a French soldier; Scottish Gaelic legend: NA FIR A CHOISIN BUAIDH SAN EPHAIT ("These are the men who won victory in Egypt") 21 MAR 1801 around. This medal was awarded by the Highland Society of London to all ranks of the 42nd regiment - the Black Watch for their conduct and bravery at the Battle of Alexandria.

The 42nd regiment's valor at Alexandria, March 21st 1801 helped win a great victory. During the battle, Abercromby, one of the most daring and brilliant strategists in British military history, was captured by French dragoons, but was rescued by a highlander of the Black Watch. In the engagement, Abercromby was struck by a musketball in the thigh, but not until he saw the enemy retreating and the battle won would he allow himself to be relieved of command so he could receive medical attention. He was borne from the field in a hammock, cheered by the blessings of the soldiers as he passed and bought to the flagship HMS Foudroyant moored in the harbor. The ball could not be extracted, and Abercromby died seven days later, on March 28, 1801.

In a later tartan-lined, morocco display case with a Scots Gaelic inscription noting the presentation of the medal to Edward, Prince of Wales, Duke of Rothesay, Earl of Carrick and Lord of the Isles (later and briefly King Edward VIII), by the Gaelic Society. Choice Extremely Fine. Ex Duke and Duchess of Windsor Collection, Sotheby's, September 11-19, 1997, lot 193. Accompanied by the three-volume, hard-bound set of catalogs for the sale.

Sold for
$575

Starting price
$350