COORG MEDAL 1837, A RARE ORIGINAL STRIKING, silver, 50mm, with original silver loop and st

COORG MEDAL 1837, A RARE ORIGINAL STRIKING, silver, 50mm, with original silver loop and steel split ring suspension. A good example of the original striking of this medal, as awarded to native troops who remained loyal during the Canara Rebellion of 1837. Scattered light surface marks overall and some minor rim bruises, otherwise attractively toned and Almost Very Fine.

Original strikings of this medal are very rare. Much more so than the later re-strikes which, though struck from the original dies, were produced much later than the original medals for sale to collectors (for details of how to distinguish originals from re-strikes, see British Battles and Medals (page 208).

The original strikings of these medals were much prized by the men to whom they were awarded, and worn on a regular basis, often over a period of many years. As a result, original strikings are usually encountered in very worn condition. The example offered here is an attractive specimen, and not as heavily worn as often seen.

According to Dalrymple-White, this medal was awarded to four men of the 73rd Foot (the post 1880 2nd Battalion The Black Watch).