|
The Turkish Crimea Medal 1855
Issued by the Sultan of Turkey to the Allied forces of Britain,
France and Sardinia who served during the Crimean War 1854 - 1856.
Description: In silver1 36mm diameter, obverse
depicts the Sultan's cypher over "Crimea 1271" in Turkish2
, all within a wreath. Reverse; a cannon, mortar and anchor standing
on the Russian flag. A map of the Crimea is spread over the cannon.
In the background are the four flags of the allies. Three versions
of reverse exist.
British: "CRIMEA 1855" in exergue, British flag to the fore,
on the right. (illustrated)3
French: "LA CRIMEE 1855" in exergue, French flag to the fore,
on the right.
Sardinian: "LA CRIMEA 1855" in exergue, Sardinian flag to the
fore, on the right. (illustrated)
The original suspension was by means of a small silver and
larger steel ring fit through a pierced hole in the disc, but this
is very often replaced with a Queen's Crimea medal suspender, or
some other more robust form of suspension.
Naming: Issued unnamed but frequently found with engraved naming of
various unofficial styles - also found (less commonly) impressed
regimental or depot style.
Ribbon: Crimson with green edges. (the original issue ribbon was
18mm wide but this was often replaced with normal width, 32mm
ribbon)
notes
1 Struck in a lower grade 0.800 silver as opposed to the
usual British standard of the time (pre 1875) of 0.950.
2. 1271 A.H. Islamic = 1855 Gregorian
3. A ship bringing part of the consignment of medals to
Britain was wrecked, but the problem was resolved by the issue of
Sardinian and French strikings to British troops - hence all three
types turn up to British personnel.
(Also see:
Medals of the Regiments for qualification by regiment for
Infantry and Cavalry units.)
|
