Ashantee 1873-74, 1 clasp, Coomassie (H. Wilkes, Gunr. R.M.A., H.M.S. Amethyst. 73-74.) nearly very fine £500-£600

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, December 2010.

Only 21 Ashantee Medals with clasp Coomassie awarded to the Royal Marine Artillery, this example being unique to H.M.S. Amethyst.

Gunner Henry Wilkes, R.M.A., served with the Naval Brigade, 6 January to 4 February 1874, comprising 325 officers and men of the R.N., R.M. and R.M.A. The Coomassie clasp was issued to all those who were north of the River Prah between 31 January (the battle of Amoaful) and 4 February 1874. Wilkes suffered from fever on 31 January 1874. His medal was sent to H.M.S. Endymion on 16 July 1875.