Single: United States Bronze Star correctly named to Charles H Brown in box of issue along with the Secretary of the Army’s award card.
A period Newspaper clipping gives an insight into Charles’s service and award
“At the time, Mr Brown was a Technician Fourth Grade, assigned to duty with the 101st Coast Artillery Battalion (AA).
Technician Brown performed meritorious service from September to November, 1942. The citation accompanying the medal said, “He volunteered to help build the important road from Port Moresby to Ioribaiwa. This road, constructed over a very treacherous jungle mountain range, speeded up supply of the Australian Army. Technician Brown’s initiative and devotion to duty made an important contribution to the successful defense of Port Moresby.”
Antiaircraft played an important role in the Papuan Campaign. Its units were among the most forward elements and in their activity in Northern New Guinea they were involved in an operation that enveloped the enemy’s rear. The campaign was marked by close cooperation and coordination between the American and Australian Anti-Aircraft units. All American Anti=Aircraft units participating in the Papuan Campaign received the Presidential Unit Citation.
A cut of the article accompanies the medal and is framed along with the Secretary of the Army’s award card.
Good very fine $475
The remarkable Anglo-American group of six awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel R. H. Griffiths, United States Army, late U.S. Volunteer Infantry and Philippines Constabulary, and Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment and the Royal Scots, who was killed in action as a U.S. Battalion C.O. in April 1918
United States of America, Philippine Insurrection Medal 1899, officially numbered ‘23344’, wrap-round brooch suspension, in its original numbered card box of issue, with old ink inscriptions inside, including ‘1st Sergt. 37 U.S. Inf. Vols., Richard H. Griffiths, 1899’
United States of America, Spanish War Service Medal, officially numbered ‘17531’, in its original numbered card box of issue, brooch-pin for wearing
United States of America, Philippine Congressional Medal 1899, officially numbered ‘4456’, with wrap round brooch suspension, in its original numbered card box of issue, with old ink inscription inside, ‘The President McKinley Congressional Medal, Philippines Insurrection, 1899, Richard H. Griffiths, First Sergt., 37th U.S. Inf. Vol.’
Great Britain, 1914-15 Star (Major R. H. Griffiths, Notts. & Derby. R.), in its original named card box of issue, with old ink inscriptions, including ‘Dardanelles Medal (Star), Major R. H. Griffiths (Mrs. Griffiths)’
Great Britain, British War Medal 1914-20 (Major R. H. Griffiths), in its original named card box of issue, with old ink inscription as before but ‘British War Medal 1914-1918’
United States of America, Victory Medal, slide-on clasp, Defensive Sector, with wrap round brooch suspension, in its original card box of issue, with old ink inscriptions to lid and base, ‘Victory Medal 779379 issued to Mrs. Anne M. Griffiths, widow of Lieut. Col. Richard H. Griffiths, U.S. Infantry, 12.1.21’ and ‘Given by Geo. C. Marshall, Major, 1920, in person’
United States of America, Spanish War Veterans Badge 1898-1902, bronze, with ornate bar and eagle suspension, with numbered lid of original box of issue ‘14713’ and old ink inscription, ‘Spanish Am. War Veterans Badge, U.S.W.V.’
United States of America, Philippine Campaign Veterans Badge 1898-1899, bronze, with enamelled ‘8’ to centre and ‘U.S.V.’ suspension bar and eagle above
United States of America, Purple Heart Lapel Badge, gilt and enamel, the reverse inscribed, ‘A. M. G.’,
Richard Henry Griffiths was born in Derbyshire in February 1873, his family emigrating to the United States of America whilst he was still a youngster.
On the declaration of war with Spain in April 1898, he joined the Tennessee National Guard, and in November was embarked for the Philippines, as a Sergeant in Company ‘M’ of the 1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry. Quickly witnessing action at San Juan del Monte and the capture of the water works at Luzon, he was also present at the capture of Iloilo and Paney and in various other skirmishes.
Advanced to 1st Sergeant in Company ‘A’ of the 37th U.S. Volunteer Infantry in July 1899, Griffiths saw action at Columba, Santo Tomas, Aluminos, San Diego and elsewhere, including the capture of a wagon train, while in the following year he participated in General Schwann’s expedition through Southern Luzon, and in General Hill’s expedition to Polillo and Infanta, being recommended for a certificate of merit for gallantry displayed on 28 February 1900. Returning to the U.S.A. on the cessation of the main hostilities, he passed the examination for a 2nd Lieutenancy, but did not take up the appointment and instead, after a short period out of uniform, re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Engineers as a Private 2nd Class, in which capacity he returned to the Philippines where, in October 1901, he transferred to the local Constabulary with a commission as a Lieutenant.
Griffiths subsequently attained the rank of Major and, with the advent of hostilities in Europe in August 1914, sailed for London to offer his services. Duly commissioned in the Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment in March 1915, he was advanced to the temporary rank of Major that September and seconded to command, and evacuate from Gallipoli, the badly mauled 1/5th Battalion of the Royal Scots, who had suffered heavy casualties since the landings in April. This duty done, and after a period of re-mustering in Egypt, he was embarked with the Battalion for France in March 1916, where he remained in command until relieved. Reverting to the rank of Captain, he then re-joined the 2nd Battalion of the Sherwood Foresters and was severely wounded in the Ypres Salient in June 1916, losing part of his shoulder blade.
Returning to duty out in France in February 1917, Griffiths resigned his commission that November, when he accepted a Majority in the United States Army and was posted to the 18th U.S. Infantry Regiment, 1st Division, which was occupying positions north-west of Toul. Subsequently commended for his ‘cool calm and efficiency in the trying days of January and February 1918’, he was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel and given command of the 3rd Battalion, 18th Regiment. About this time, a New York Times correspondent wrote:
‘When his command was going into the line, Lieutenant-Colonel Griffiths sat astride his horse at a crossroads over which German shrapnel was bursting heavily, and was unconcerned as if a thousand miles away from the war. He spoke to his men sharply, but in a low voice, telling them not to forget who the enemy was, what he had done, and to punish him. He had been a constant visitor in the trenches and shell-holes held by his troops, taking long chances to get to all of them, making sure that they were getting everything they wanted and were well cared for.’
Griffiths was killed in action during the final days of April 1918, near Villers-Turnelle, when a German high-explosive shell landed in front of his dugout just as he had emerged.
A correspondent overheard a group of men discussing their Colonel earlier that day: “There’s the old man, and believe me, if you are looking for a soldier and a gentleman, there he is. Every man in this outfit would go straight through Hell if Griffiths gave the order to march.”
A Corporal was killed by the same shell and a number of others were wounded, the Corporal falling across his Colonel’s body. They were buried nearby.
As verified by the recipient’s MIC entry, he was never issued with the Victory Medal by the British authorities, the relevant column being endorsed: ‘Transferred to American Army. To be administered by Washington, U.S.A.’; in so far as his earlier American awards are concerned, his Philippine Congressional Medal was sent to him on 30 July 1910 (Medal No. 4456), and his Philippine and Spanish War campaign issued to his widow on 18 November 1926, the respective Serial Numbers differing to those on the above described awards.
Sold with original British Consulate (Paris) passports for both Griffiths and his wife, with portrait photographs, issued in November 1917 and July 1915 respectively; together with a file of research, including copied application forms for the American awards.
Ex. Hal Giblin Collection, Christies 10 November 1992, lot 322.
Generally good very fine and most probably unique $4750
Single: Maharajpoor Star 1843 Private James Fincher HM 16th Lancers.
Enlisted Dorchester 6th March 1837 in the 16th Lancers, Regimental number 1651 at the age of 23
British Army Index of 1841 records Private Fincher service number 1234 with the 16th Dragoons, Meerut
Medically discharged unfit in 1857 from the 15th Hussars due to illnesses “originating in the service and caused by long military service, as a Cavalry Soldier.” Total of 14 years and 11 months overseas service in Bengal, Bangalore and East Indies. Pension drawn from London Comes with service docs.
Near VF $1285
Single: Punjab Medal with clasps “Goojerat”, “Chilianwala”. Correct period naming to JOHN BRODIE 61ST FOOT.
61st Foot (South Gloucestershire) Foot saw action at the Battle of Ramnagar (November 1848), Battles of Saddalupar and Chillanwala (December 1848-January 1849) and the Battle of Guirat (February 1849);
contact wear Gd F $685
SOUTH AFRICA 1853 (Corpl. J. Bunting, 2nd 60th Rifles), China 1857-60, 2 clasps, Taku Forts 1860, Pekin 1860 (Cr. Serjt. Josh. Bunting, 2nd Bn. 60th Rl. Rifles) officially impressed naming,
Joseph Bunting was born in the parish of Great Linford, near the town of Newport Pagnell. He originally enlisted into the Royal Marines 7 December 1842. He transferred into the 2/60th Rifles 1 July 1843 – indicating he was previously a sailor. With the Regiment he saw service during the third Kaffir war (medal verified on roll) before being promoted up the ranks to Colour Sergeant. During the later stages of the China campaign, he saw action at Taku Forts and Pekin in 1860 (medal verified on roll). This is Joseph Bunting’s full entitlement, no LSGC medal due to 13 entries in the Regimental defaulter’s book and two Court Martial’s by the end of his 21 years of service. The fact that he did not receive a LSGC yet still made it to the rank of Colour Sergeant suggests a good strong soldiers.
Contact marks, good, very fine $2250
China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Canton 1857, unnamed as issued,
Nearly extremely fine $585
Pair: Corporal A. J. Sharp, Royal Monmouthshire Engineers, late Royal Artillery. India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Hazara 1888 (32595 Gunr., No. 2 By. 1st Bde. Sc. Dn. R.A.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (2970 Corpl., Rl. Engineers)
Note: Alfred James Sharp was born in Millbrook, Southampton. He joined the Royal Artillery on 6 July 1882, aged 19 years. He initially served in the 1st Brigade Scottish Division R.A., which later became Mountain Artillery. Served in India, September 1883-February 1890 and took part in the Black Mountain Expedition 1888. Sharp was transferred to the Army Reserve in February 1890 and discharged on 5 July 1894. His intended place of residence being given as King Street, Brynmawr. He later joined the Royal Monmouthshire Engineers Militia and served with them in the Second Boer War. With copied R.A. service papers and roll extracts on paper and C.D.
Contact marks, nearly very fine $985
Pair: India General Service 1854-95, one clasp “Hazara 1888” correct script engraving to 809 Pte D.Turner 2nd Bn. North'd Fus. and Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, four clasps, “Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal & South Africa 1901” correctly impressed 809 Pte D.Turner, North'd: Fus
VF - EF $985
Single: India General Service 1854-95, 2 clasps, Burma 1885-7, Burma 1887-89, clasp carriage altered to accommodate additional clasp (827 Lce. Corpl. W. Say. 2nd. Bn. R.W. Surr. R.)
Edge nicks, nearly very fine $525
Single: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1887-89 (1664 Pte. J White 2nd. Bn. S. Wales Bord)
Good very fine $495
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL1854 One Clasp; "Burma 1885-7". 2373 Pte. J. Wilson. 1st Bn. Pl. Welsh. Fus.
EF $425
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1854 One clasp: "Burma 1885-7" 1622 Pte D.McEwen. 2nd Bn. R.Scot. Fus.
Good VF $450
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL1854 One Clasp; "Burma 1887-9". 1105 Cpl. F. Lee. 1st Bn. Ches. Rgt.
VF $525
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1854-95, one clasp "Jowaki 1877-8" impressed naming to 1521 GUNNER C. VERNEY. 13/9th R.A.
Note: Ex Trevor Bushell Taylor Collection.
Scuff marks, otherwise good VF $625
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1854 One Clasp: "Burma 1887- 89". 2812 Corpl.P. Reilly. 2nd.Chesh.Rgt.
Good VF $525
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL1854 One Clasp; "Burma 1889-92". 342 Serjt. T. Wilkins 2nd Bn Devon RGT.
Gd VF $525
Single: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, “WAZIRISTAN 1894-5” to 2804 Pte. T. Glendinning, 2nd Bn. Border Regt.
VF $625
SINGLE: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, ” Jowaki 1877-8” correct period naming to 2725 Pte. Joseph Cook, 51st Foot
VF $675
Single: INDIA GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL1854 One Clasp; "Hazara 1891" 1722 Pte. E. Williams. 1st Bn R. Welsh Fus.
Gd VF $585
Single: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (1054 Pte. J. Maisy 2d. Bn. L’pool R.)
Note: J. Maisy is listed as ‘dead’ on the medal roll. Sold with copied medal roll extract (medal issued to ‘Thomas Maisy, Bluebury, Berkshire’)
Light Scratches to Queens neck VF $525
Single: India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1885-7 (890 Pte. W. Fell 2d. Bn. L’pool R.)
Minor edge nicks, nearly extremely fine $485
Pair: Private J. Hughes, 63rd Regiment Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann, Sebastopol (63rd Regt.) officially impressed naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, unnamed, pierced with ring suspension.
James Hughes was born in Lancaster. A Shoemaker by occupation, he enlisted on 1 July 1852. Died at Scutari on 31 January 1855. With some copied roll extracts.
Good very fine $2750
OUTSTANDING SERVICE INCLUDING BEING PRESENT IN TWO VC ACTIONS
Single: Crimea 1854-56, 4 clasps, "Alma, Balaklava, Inkermann and Sebastopol" officially impressed to Jas. Binns, Rifle Bde.
3415 Private James Binns joined the Rifle Brigade at Portsmouth on 20 February 1854, aged 17 years. Soon on active service, he went with the regiment to the Crimea, landing at Eupatoria on 14 September 1854. He was in action at Alma, 20 September 1854; served in trenches before Sebastopol; saw action at Balaklava, 25 October 1854; fought at Inkermann, 5 November 1854 - his rifle being hit and broken by grape shot; took part in a night attack on 20 November 1854 - and received a minor wound to his lip by a spent ball; then took part in the taking of the Quarries and the storming of the Redan. Further service followed in India and the suppression of the Indian Mutiny and then in the Cape Province.
His military service is recorded in ‘Short Account of the Experiences of James Binns (late of the Rifle Brigade)'. With photocopies of the six pages of this short account. This is an extremely interesting soldier's account of many key events he was involved in. Amongst them include being present at the storming of the "Rifle Pits" before Sebastopol when Lt. Cunninghame and Bounchier won their VC's and even when General Catheart fell from his horse shot dead.
Please feel free to request a copy of account as it is well worth the read.
Contact marks, nearly VF $3750
Single : CRIMEA MEDAL1854 no clasp officially impressed Edwd.Cox 7th Regt.
Good VF $575
