A Collection of Medals to the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys)

Crimea 1854-56, 2 clasps, Balaklava, Inkermann (Robt. McCowan, 2nd Dragns.) officially impressed naming, with original ribbon in its named card box of issue together with a portrait photograph by McKenzie, Paisley, of the recipient in a Volunteer uniform prior to joining the Greys, the box rather distressed, the medal with minor edge bruising, otherwise dark toned, good very fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals to the 2nd Dragoons (Royal Scots Greys).

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Robert McCowan was born at Paisley, near Glasgow, on 17 July 1835. He enlisted at Glasgow for the 2nd Dragoons on 8 February 1853, aged 18 years, his trade then being described as blockcutter. He served with the Scots Greys as part of the Heavy Brigade in the action at Balaklava and at Sebastopol. Private McCowan died at ‘Camp Crimea’ on 27 February 1855.

It should be noted that the 2nd Dragoons were not present at Inkermann and that McCowan’s medal should have clasps for Balaklava and Sebastopol only. However, the medal is clearly as issued, as borne out by the accompanying card box. The mistake is easily explained by examining the regimental medal roll compiled ‘Camp Crimea. 11 January 1855’ (WO 100/24) which clearly shows the letter ‘I’ in the column for ‘Inkermann Novr. 5’ against many names, including McCowan, in addition to the letter ‘B’ to indicate entitlement to the clasp for Balaklava. A separate roll was compiled in November 1855 listing those entitled to clasps for Sebastopol, most of which were despatched as loose clasps at a later date.