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William Medal: CM.1297-2009

An image of William Medal

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Object information

Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: Hanover
Ruler: William IV (1830-37)
State: Hanover

Entities

Categories

Description

The long-standing tradition of medals for long and virtuous service in Britain's armed forces began with King William IV, also Elector of the state of Hanover. While his British troops' service was recognised with a medal from 1830 onwards, those serving under the Crown of Hanover had their award instituted in 1837. This silver medal was issued to non-commissioned officers, who to qualify had to have served in good standing for 16 years, although a year in war service counted double.
The small size of this medal compared to its British counterpart is an illustration of the unusual size of British medals compared to that favoured on the Continent. This example bears no name, and its recipient is unknown. Lester Watson acquired it at some point before 1928.

Notes

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

Legal notes

Given by Lester Watson through Cambridge in America, 2009

Measurements and weight

Diameter: 25.7 mm
Weight: 13 g

Place(s) associated

  • state

Acquisition and important dates

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

Dating

Production date: AD 1837

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of William facing right

  • Text: FÜR / SECHSZEHN / JÄHRIGE / TREUE / DIENSTE
  • Location: Obverse
  • Type: Design

Inscription present: Inscription

  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1297-2009
Primary reference Number: 141391
Watson Catalogue: 200
Ordering: M-0180
Previous object number: LW.0180
Stable URI

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Monday 15 January 2024 Last processed: Monday 15 January 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 (2024) "William Medal" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141391 Accessed: 2024-11-05 03:28:54

Citation for Wikipedia

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141391 |title=William Medal |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-11-05 03:28:54|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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