Baltic Medal

[Guest Darrell]

This one came in today. A period Baltic Medal. Just happened to be named to a Thomas Jefferies. Only one person by this name was on the Baltic Rolls. He happened to serve on the ship "Centaur".

The Baltic Medal 1854 - 1855

Instituted April 1856 for award to those that served with the Naval deployment to the Baltic during the Crimean war. This is mainly a Royal Navy and Royal Marines medal although 106 medals were issued to a Royal Engineer contingent present.

Description: In Silver, 36mm diameter with an ornate swivelling suspension. Obverse; the diademed head of Queen Victoria and the legend VICTORIA REGINA. Reverse; Britannia holding a trident and seated on a plinth. In the background a coastal seascape depicting the forts of Bomarsund and Sveaborg. The dates 1854 - 1855 are in exergue. The engravers signatures "W. Wyon RA" (Obverse) is on the bust truncation, and "L.C. Wyon" (reverse) is within the exergue.

Naming : Issued unnamed apart from the medals to the Royal Engineers which were impressed in roman capitals. Many recipients of unnamed medals had their medals privately engraved (and hence turn up in various contemporary engraved styles similar to the Crimea War medals.)

Ribbon; yellow with blue edges.

Obverse:

[Guest Darrell]

Closeup of Obverse:

[Guest Darrell]

Reverse:

[Guest Darrell]

Closeup of Reverse:

[Guest Darrell]

Engraving on Rim:

[Guest Darrell]

He shows up on the Rolls as "PTE" which indicates he was a Royal Marine.

[Mervyn Mitton]

Nice example, Darrell. Strangely enough I was offered one yesterday - but wasn't tempted at the price he wanted....

I have never felt that there is great interest in this medal - however, in this condition and with a name to research it is a good addition to your collection. How about the Abysinia Medal - do have any of that one ?

[Guest Darrell]

How about the Abysinia Medal - do have any of that one ?

Not "yet" ;)