Douglas Jr. #1 Posted March 20 Hi, A friend of mine bought this small medal while in London. Looks like a commemorative/patriotic medal, that clearly resembles the Victoria Cross. I have no clue about what it is so any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance, Douglas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Claudius #2 Posted March 20 no idea. It doesn't look official. I almost want to believe it is some kind of commemorative to the Marartha/Indian war and I keep staring at the letters on the scroll to say "Assaye"; but I only see "ESSAYXZ" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter monahan #3 Posted March 21 I can't get it to read 'ASSAYE' either, even when I squint. perhaps the motto of the bearer of the arms? Does the cipher on the back read 'B / B' or 'R ? B' . It seems to me that the clues lie there and, of course, in the coat of arms. Two lions as supporters and perhaps a third as the crest. The arms halfed vertically - forgotten the term for that - with a chevron on one half but I can't make out the rest of the charges. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paul wood #4 Posted March 21 It is french it says essayez which means try. I suspect the medal is probably masonic related. Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuka f #5 Posted March 22 I could ask on a French forum if you want? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Jr. #6 Posted March 22 Stuka, If you could do it I'd appreciate it. Douglas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Stuka f #7 Posted March 23 hello, it was just ID, by one of the members specialized in medals. It must be Scottish and indeed most probably masonic related. The coat of arms and the motto are those of the Dundas familly. "Dundas Comte de Zetland - Ecosse - (Baronet, 16 nov. 1762; baron Dundas d'Aske, 13 août 1794; comte de Z., 2 juillet 1838) - D'argent au lion de gueules enclos dans un double trêcheur fleuronné et contre-fleuronné du même Cimier une tête de léopard de gueules couronnée à l'antique d'or brochant sur un bosquet de chêne de sinople englanté d'or Supports deux lions au naturel couronnés à l'antique d'or colletés chacun d'une couronne de chêne de sinople englantée d'or portant chacun suspendu au collier un écusson celui à dextre d'argent au chef-sautoir de gueules et le canton d'argent ch d'un lion de sable (Bruce) celui à senestre losangé d'argent et de gueules (Fitzwilliam) Devise ESSAYEZ" Une médaille d'origine écossaise donc. D'autre blason de la famille DUNDAS presque similaire existent.Peut etre une loge maçonnique.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Claudius #9 Posted March 24 23 hours ago, Stuka f said: hello, it was just ID, by one of the members specialized in medals. It must be Scottish and indeed most probably masonic related. The coat of arms and the motto are those of the Dundas familly. "Dundas Comte de Zetland - Ecosse - (Baronet, 16 nov. 1762; baron Dundas d'Aske, 13 août 1794; comte de Z., 2 juillet 1838) - D'argent au lion de gueules enclos dans un double trêcheur fleuronné et contre-fleuronné du même Cimier une tête de léopard de gueules couronnée à l'antique d'or brochant sur un bosquet de chêne de sinople englanté d'or Supports deux lions au naturel couronnés à l'antique d'or colletés chacun d'une couronne de chêne de sinople englantée d'or portant chacun suspendu au collier un écusson celui à dextre d'argent au chef-sautoir de gueules et le canton d'argent ch d'un lion de sable (Bruce) celui à senestre losangé d'argent et de gueules (Fitzwilliam) Devise ESSAYEZ" Une médaille d'origine écossaise donc. D'autre blason de la famille DUNDAS presque similaire existent.Peut etre une loge maçonnique.... Capital work! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
paul wood #10 Posted March 24 Zetland lodge 1005 founded 1864 based in gloucester. Paul Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter monahan #11 Posted March 25 17 hours ago, paul wood said: Zetland lodge 1005 founded 1864 based in gloucester. Paul So, Masonic? No sabe 'Zetland', Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Douglas Jr. #12 Posted March 27 Dear friends, Very interesting information! I really appreciated all the effort from the forum members in order to identify this medal. Thanks a lot for all your time and attention. Douglas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
oamotme #13 Posted March 29 Gentlemen, Are the reverse letters "RMBI" - Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution? Regards, Owain Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter monahan #14 Posted March 29 8 hours ago, oamotme said: Gentlemen, Are the reverse letters "RMBI" - Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution? Regards, Owain Well spotted, that man! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites