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King's South Africa Medal (1901-02): CM.1433-2009

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Object information

Current Location: In storage

Maker(s)

Mint: London
Ruler: Edward VII (1901-10)
Artist: Saulles, George W. de
Ruler: Edwardvs VII rex imperator (With the title of)

Entities

Categories

Description

The Boer War was, as several of the Queens South Africa Medals in the Watson Collection demonstrate, not expected in Britain to last as long as it did. Medals were already being issued for having taken part in 1901, and these naturally bore the portrait of Queen Victoria. By the end of 1901, however, with endemic guerilla warfare only slowly subsiding in the annexed Boer Republics, the newly-succeeded King Edward VII issued a partner King's South Africa Medal, which was awarded to any who would have amassed eighteen months service in the theatre by 1 June 1902, and who were in theatre on or after 1 January of that year. Those serving in the theatre during 1901 who could not receive this medal were given bars to the Queen's South Africa Medal. It was quite possible to be awarded both medals.
This example was awarded to E. H. Middleton; it has been renamed, which probably explains the lack of recorded rank or unit. 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: 36.4 mm
Weight: 42.44 g

Place(s) associated

  • London

Acquisition and important dates

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

Dating

Production date: AD 1902

Materials used in production

Silver

Techniques used in production

Struck

Inscription or legends present

Inscription present: Bust of Edward facing left

  • Text: EDWARDVS VII REX IMPERATOR
  • Location: Obverse
  • Type: Design

Inscription present: Britannia in foreground facing right holding standard and waving wreath over army marching along shore, with ships offshore in background

  • Location: Reverse
  • Type: Design

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: CM.1433-2009
Primary reference Number: 141527
Watson Catalogue: 345
Ordering: M-0316
Previous object number: LW.0316
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

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

The Fitzwilliam Museum (2024) "King's South Africa Medal (1901-02)" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141527 Accessed: 2024-11-05 06:55:16

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{{cite web|url=https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/141527 |title=King's South Africa Medal (1901-02) |author=The Fitzwilliam Museum|accessdate=2024-11-05 06:55:16|publisher=The University of Cambridge}}

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