Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, awarded to AB George Kelsey between 1874 & 1901

Obverse, a bust of Queen Victoria facing left

Reverse, a full-rigged ship at sea in a circle of rope

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Naval Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, 1874-1901

A Naval Long Service Medal was instituted by King William IV in 1831, the year after that for the Army; when Queen Victoria succeeded that issue was for a while continued, but the medal was updated, with new designs by William Wyon, in 1848. To earn it a sailor had to have twenty years' service to his credit, although some had amassed rather more by the time of their discharge.
Later issues of this medal are distinguished by their narrower suspension and ribbon; compare this to the 1848 issue, whose ribbon is wider than the medal.
This medal was awarded to Able Bodied Seaman George Kelsey, who served aboard the Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert II. Lester Watson acquired the medal at some point before 1928.