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Afghanistan Medal: CM.1125-2009

An image of Afghanistan Medal
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An image of Afghanistan Medal
Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: London
Artist: Boehm, Joseph Edward, Sir
Artist: Caldecott, Randolph
Ruler: Victoria (1837-1901)
Ruler: Victoria regina et imperatrix (With the title of)

Entities

Categories

Description

British forces were committed to Afghanistan for the third time in 1878 after a treaty between the Amir Shere Ali and Britain made in 1873 had been discarded by the Amir in favour of a new one with Russia, and diplomatic missions from Britain refused. After two major actions peace (and a subsidy for the Amir) was agreed in May 1878, though fighting was to renew the next year.
This medal bears the clasp for participation in the capture of the hill fortress of Ali Musjid, one of the two actions which led to Shere Ali fleeing Kabul before the British. It was awarded to Private P. Lackey of the 8th Brigade, 1st Regiment. Lester Watson purchased it at some point before 1928.

Notes

History note: Gift of L. Hoyt Watson; ex Lester Watson Collection, bt before 1928

Legal notes

Given by Lester Watson through Cambridge in America, 2009

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 36.2 mm
Weight: 39.32 g

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Given (2009) by Watson, Lester

Dating

1881 - 1882

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of Victoria facing left

  • Text: VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX
  • Location: Obverse
  • Type: Design

Inscription present: Pack elephant with following troops and mules crossing left

  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1125-2009
Primary reference Number: 141219
Watson Catalogue: 8
Ordering: M-0008
Previous object number: LW.0008

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Monday 25 March 2024

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Coins and Medals

Citation for print

This record can be cited in the Harvard Bibliographic style using the text below:

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Afghanistan Medal" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141219 Accessed: 2025-12-05 08:52:43

Citation for Wikipedia

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141219 |title=Afghanistan Medal |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2025-12-05 08:52:43|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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