Crimea Medal by Thomas Wyon, 1854, with bar for Sebastopol
Crimea Medal, 1854
The winged figure of Victory, common on Classical coins, was an appropriate image for campaign medals. With a laurel wreath she crowns symbolically ancient warriors representing the victorious British soldier.
This medal was awarded to Michael McMahan of the 31st Regiment. It was the first medal in Lester Watson's collection, and was given him by his uncle Charles Pfaff on 20th June 1904.
The Crimea Medal used in the physical Exhibition is a different specimen, awarded to Private H. McMonagh of the 1st Battalion Rifle Brigade. In addition to the Sebastopol bar it bears bars for the Battles of Alma, Inkermann and Balaklava. This was acquired by Lester Watson before 1928, when the first catalogue of his collection was made.