AN ASTONISHING & OUTSTANDINGLY HISTORICALLY IMPORTANT INDIAN MUTINY MEDAL (LUCKNOW)

To:
John Butler.
1st European Bengal Fusiliers.(East India Company's Infantry)

The above photograph of Pte John Butler, a native of HUCKNALL, NOTTS, wearing his medal, was taken in early 1914 and appeared in The Hucknall Dispatch just a few weeks before he died. John Butler was THE LAST surviving "Mutiny' member of the Nottingham & District Crimean War & Indian Mutiny Association.

Like so many men of his time John could not read or write and his 'Mark' X is seen in various places on the documents. He had been a coal miner in his younger days but declared his trade as 'Hosier' on his army papers. He enlisted, age 20 and at 5ft 6" tall, for ten years at Liverpool on 3rd July 1857. He was subsequently discharged at his own request by purchase release after two years and four months service on 15th October 1859.

"BIG BEN'" CAUNT
Interestingly, John Butler was the nephew of the world famous Victorian Bare Knuckle Prize Fighter 'BEN CAUNT', also from Hucknall, who became the British Heavyweight Champion of his day. He was widely known as "BIG BEN" and gave his name to the famous London clock at Westminster.
Many original papers & pay book etc are included.


Including:

(1)A "Unique" Trip to Skegness commemorative booklet for the Crimea & Indian Mutiny Association's 'Day Out at The Seaside' Thursday 28th July 1910. All the many men (67) listed in this booklet were from the Nottingham area and as such this listing is of great local research importance as it gives their units and full medal entitlement. Includes the name of Matthew Holland of 11th Hussars who rode in a The Charge of The Light Brigade.(** One wonders if Private Holland was encouraged by his comrades to try a donkey ride in his older age on Skegness beach !!!....I will lay money that they did !!)

(2)Velum bound account book.
(3) Letter of enrolment to Crimea & Mutiny Vets Association.


(4) Military discharge certificate.
(5) Confirmation of special campaign pension.
(6) Pension award letter.
(7)Funeral notice and obituary 25th June 1914


(8) Photograph of John's funeral cortège in Hucknell Market Place. This took place in the same day as the Royal visit of King George V & Queen Mary. ( see bunting in the street )
(9) A biography of John Butler



In our experience this is a totally unique assembly with complete supporting papers & history. The medal is totally original and has a lovely contemporary silver floral suspender mounting on it's rare original 1857 Cotton ribbon ....as worn by Pte Butler.

Deeply toned, EF & Totally Uncleaned.





AN ASTONISHINGLY RARE & UNIQUELY SURVIVING ASSEMBLY. £2250..

ENQUIRIES & QUALITY PART-EXCHANGES WELCOME.
01342-870960.

If you are a keen Nottingham medal collector this grouping is seriously for you!