1869 Abyssinian War medal. Silver, 32.5 mm. MY-124, BBM-81. Crown mount with swivel ring suspension. Extremely Fine.

1869 Abyssinian War medal. Silver, 32.5 mm. MY-124, BBM-81. Crown mount with swivel ring suspension. Extremely Fine.

Named on reverse to GUNNER R.M. / W. HARVEY / H.M.S. OCTAVIA. Brilliant and polished, with scattered nicks on both sides. A gathering of golden toning is present around the obverse periphery, and a good deal of original luster remains.

Of the 14,000 medals distributed of this type, just 1,981 went to Royal Navy and Royal Marines. Those aboard the HMS Octavia received 611 medals.

In 1863, as Emperor Tewodros of Ethiopia saw his power in jeopardy, he took several English hostages in the hope of obtaining military concessions from Britain that would help buttress his domestic control. The gambit backfired, and the British Empire dropped a hammer on his government, delivering more than 13,000 troops to the interior of Ethiopia over treacherous mountains many considered impassable. Tewodros committed suicide, the hostages were released, and the Ethiopian collection of the British Museum expanded appreciably.

Offered with a modern ribbon.

Estimate: $250 - $500.

Provenance: From the Gem Collection.

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