A scarce Azoff group of four awarded to Commissioned Boatman J. Jarvis, H.M. Coast Guard, late Royal Navy

Crimea 1854-55, 2 clasps, Sebastopol, Azoff (A.B., H.M. Ship Agamemnon and Snake, 54 to 56) contemporary engraved naming; China 1857-60, 1 clasp, Taku Forts 1860 (Qur. Master, H.M. Ship Camilla & Banter, 56 to 62) contemporary engraved naming; Naval L.S. & G.C., V.R., narrow suspension (Comd. Boatn., H.M. Coast Guard 25 Years) impressed naming; Turkish Crimea 1855, Sardinian issue, named as the first, light contact marks, very fine or better and scarce (4) £500-600

Joseph Jarvis is confirmed aboard H.M.S. Snake in the Sea of Azoff, on loan from H.M.S. Agamemnon, which ship supplied two launches for the attack on Yauagnog on 3 June 1855. Nine Victoria Crosses were awarded for these commando style operations. A total of 55 Azoff clasps were issued to the Agamemnon (Vide Naval Medals 1793-1856, Capt. K. J. Douglas-Morris).

The narrow suspension Naval L.S. & G.C. with Years on the edge is a rare and unexplained variety that occurs between 1875 and 1878. In his book on The Naval Long Service Medals, Captain Douglas-Morris records just 24 known examples with impressed edge details. The example offered above is is not previously recorded and must be added to their number.