United Kingdom. A Punjab Medal 1848-1849, To A. Anderson, 3Rd Light Dragoons

A Punjab Medal, constructed of silver, the obverse presents the diademed head of Queen Victoria with the legend VICTORIA REGINA, the reverse presents the scene showing Sir Walter Gilbert receiving the Sikh surrender with the legend TO THE ARMY OF THE PUNJAB above and below MDCCCXLIX (1849), designer marked on obverse with W WYON R.A., measuring 35.96 mm in diameter, on suspension from period original dark-blue ribbon with a yellow stripe towards each edge, bearing clasps for Chilianwala and Goojerat, and in overall near extremely fine condition.

Footnote: The Punjab Medal was issued to officers and men of the British Army and Honourable East India Company who served in the Punjab campaign of 1848-49. The Chilianwala clasp was awarded to troops under the command of Lord Gough who engaged with the Sikh ary of Sher Singh and Lal Singh near Chilianwala. In total, 21,453 of these clasps were awarded (4,300 to Europeans and 16,153 to Indian troops). The Goojerat clasp was awarded to troops under the command of Lord Gough who defeated the Sikh army of Sher Singh at Gujarat. In total, 32,960 of these clasps were awarded (6,200 to Europeans and 26,760 to Indian troops).

The 3rd (The King’s Own) Hussars was a cavalry regiment of the British Army first raised in 1685. In the Victorian era, the regiment was renamed the 3rd (The King’s Own) Regiment of (Light) Dragoons. It was dispatched in India in July 1837 and later having moved on to Afghanistan saw action at the Battle of Kabul in September 1842 during the First Anglo-Afghan War. The regiment fought again at the Battle of Mudki and the Battle of Ferozeshah in December 1845 and at the Battle of Sobraon in February 1846 during the First Anglo-Sikh War. It continued on to fight at the Battle of Chilianwala in January 1849 and the Battle of Gujarat in February 1849 during the Second Anglo-Sikh War.