Original British Indian Rebellion of 1857 Indian Mutiny Medal For Private Joseph Brairley, 2nd Battalion, 60th Regiment King’s Royal Rifle Corps Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The Indian Mutiny Medal was a campaign medal approved in August 1858, for officers and men of British and Indian units who served in operations in suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.

The medal was initially sanctioned for award to troops who had been engaged in action against the mutineers. However, in 1868 the award was extended to all those who had borne arms or who had been under fire, including such people as members of the Indian judiciary and the Indian civil service, who were caught up in the fighting. Some 290,000 medals were awarded. In 1862, the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment of Foot’s mascot, Private Derby, received the Indian Mutiny Medal at Poona.

The obverse depicts the diademed head of a young Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA, designed by William Wyon. The reverse shows a helmeted Britannia holding a wreath in her right hand and a union shield on her left arm. She is standing in front of a lion. Above is the word INDIA, with the dates 1857–1858 below. The reverse was designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, who also engraved the die of the medal.

The 1.25 inches (32 mm) wide ribbon is white with two scarlet stripes, with each stripe of equal width. The recipient’s name and unit is impressed on the rim of the medal in block Roman capitals.

The impression on the rim is in the correct size and form, reading as:

JOSH. BRAIRLEY 2ND BN. 60TH RIFLES

The overall condition is very fine with the only real wear present being the light tarnishing that is present on the silvered portions of the ensemble. All details and lettering are still easily discernible.

A wonderful example that comes more than ready for further research and display.