New Zealand 1845-66, reverse undated (H. Webb, Ord. H.M.S. “Niger” 1860-1) officially engraved naming, very fine £250-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, An Important Collection of Medals for the Maori Wars, 1845-1866.

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Ex Douglas-Morris Collection, DNW February 1997.

Webb's medal was issued on 7th January 1878. 66 medals (13 to R.N. officers, 37 to R.N. ratings, and 16 to R.M. N.C.Os. and men) were awarded to H.M.S. Niger of which 33 are known, including 2 with reverses dated 1860, 4 with reverses undated, and the rest dated 1860-1861. This is a rare example with officially engraved dates on the edge, the issuing authorities having run out of dated reverse medals.

Henry Webb was born in Brighton, Sussex, on 26 April 1841, and first entered the service as a Boy 2nd Class aboard H.M.S. Niger on 26 March 1856, ending his time there as an Able Seaman in September 1861. His following vessels were Rifleman (1861-66) and Lord Clyde (1866-68) ending his time aboard her as Coxswain of the Launch. In this same rate he served aboard Northumberland (1868-69), and as Quartermaster aboard Penelope (1869-71), followed by Vulture (1873-76) and Fawn (1876-79). He was finally pensioned from Royal Naval Barracks as a Petty Officer 1st Class on 26 November 1879, with 20 years service. On three occasions whilst aboard Vulture he lost good conduct badges which probably precluded his chances of earning the LS & GC medal.