Pair: Drum Major W. Cantello, 35th Foot, later 82nd Foot

Indian Mutiny 1857-59, no clasp (Drummer Wm. Cantello, 35th. Regt.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (1451. Drum Maj: W. Cantello, 82nd. Foot) suspension claw reaffixed on first, good fine, the LS&GC good very fine (2) £240-280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Musicians formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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William Cantello was born on 25 March 1842 at Broughton Gifford, Wiltshire, and attested for the 35th (Royal Sussex) Regiment of Foot at Rochester, Kent, on 25 March 1856. Landing in India on 5 November of that year, he was appointed a Drummer on 1 December 1857, and served with the Regiment in India during the Great Sepoy Mutiny. He was discharged on 14 April 1870, but re-engaged for general service the following year, and was posted to the 82nd (Prince of Wales’ Volunteers) Regiment of Foot on 10 February 1871. Promoted Corporal on 12 May 1873, and Sergeant on 13 January 1874, he was appointed Drum Major on the same date, and was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, with a Gratuity of £5, on 1 December 1879. Transferring to the Staff of the Army as Conducting Sergeant of Recruits on 20 January 1882, he was promoted Staff Sergeant on 1 May 1882, and advanced to his final rank of Staff Quarter Master Sergeant on 26 July 1888. He was finally discharged on 31 May 1892, after 35 years and 132 days’ service.