An Exceptionally Original
CRIMEA, TURKISH CRIMEA & LONG SERVICE GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL.

To:
189 Battery Qr,Mr, Serjt. Robt Lethbridge. 75th Battery, A Bgde RHA.

A SHOEMAKER, FROM ERMINGTON, IVYBRIDGE, DEVON.
A “CHELSEA PENSIONER” from 1866.

[THE MEDALS]
This is an exceptional group from several points of view. From the point of view of naming style, the Crimea & Turkish Medals are “Depot Impressed” in the neatest and most accurate style we can ever remember seeing.
This style is normally very crude in execution, but in this instance where an accurate and matching set of local punches have been employed, is almost as good as an official impressment.

CRIMEA MEDAL: BALAKLAVA, INKERMANN, SEBASTOPOL.
SERJT. ROBERT LETHBRIDGE. J. TROOP. (R).H. ARTILY.

TURKISH MEDAL:(Sardinian Issue)
SERJT. R. LETHBRIDGE. J. TROOP. R.H.A.

L.S.G.C.(Officially Impressed)
189. BATTy. Qr. Mr. SERJt. ROBt LETHBRIDGE. A Bgde . R.H.A.

The medals are also on their original Crimea period ribbons, with a uniquely engraved complimentary set of three lovely silver top mounts and are ‘as worn’ by the recipient....a truly rare situation. The medals clearly haven’t been cleaned or disturbed since the recipient last wore them in 1883 when he died while a resident at the Chelsea Hospital.

[BIOGRAPHY]
Robert Lethbridge was was born in June 1822 at Ermington, near Ivybridge, Devon. Prior to enlistment on 10th May 1842 at age 19.11 he had been a Shoemaker. He served in the Crimean war for two years and three months and was discharged from the army at Woolwich 20th June 1865. He had then resided at 9 Beresford Street, Woolwich.
He was apparently married while at that address.

On 13th February 1866, he had been appointed as Messenger to the Secretary’s Office at the Chelsea Hospital. On 6th March 1867 he was transferred to Staff of Hospital as Quartermaster Sergeant in charge of the Great Kitchen. He died on 3rd August 1883 at age 61. A successful application was made by Chelsea Hospital to the Lloyd’s Patriotic Fund on behalf of his widow, who was granted a donation of £10.

[CHARACTER & CONDUCT]
....From his discharge papers....

“Conduct has been Exemplary. When promoted he was in possession of two Good Conduct Badges-had he not been promoted he would be in possession of five Good Conduct Badges. He is in possession of Good Conduct Medal with a gratuity of 15£. He is in possession of the Crimean Medal & clasps for Balaklava , Inkermann &Sebastopol also Turkish War Medal. He has no entries in the Regimental Defaulters’ Book.
He has been tried by Court Martial once”

A Lovely & Exceptionally Original Group with colour copy service and discharge papers & three clasp confirming medal rolls.

SOLD