On behalf of clients we are delighted to offer (AT A NEW LOWER PRICE) what we believe to be the original and personal duplicate or replacement Victoria Cross and Crimea Medal group to:
Assistant Surgeon Thomas Egerton Hale. C.B. V.C.
The Medals:
THE VICTORIA CROSS. (REVERSE)
This medal is a superb and early Victorian hand cast and individually finished execution of the highest possible quality. The period ‘chisel’ engraving of the rank name and unit on the reverse of the suspender is totally accurate and concurrent with the engraving style on an original cross, and reads: ASST SURGn. T.E. HALE. 7th REGT FOOT.
The ribbon is clearly of original fabric and shows some deterioration in association with small areas of ancient verdigris on the suspender.
The reverse dating and a small letter “R” that surmounts it is also in classic Victorian chisel style. Interestingly however the date shown on the medal’s central circular panel is 5th May 1875 which is the London Gazette date and not the date of the action as is normal on all but one of the original crosses. Having previously seen two similar Victoria Cross groups of this type it appears that L.G. dating was a regular feature on any secondary, security and display groups commissioned by the recipient. This was presumably and apparently done to prevent the original cross and the replacement or duplicate cross becoming confused with one another or the originals becoming lost if on public display.
The reverse showing the London Gazette date
5th MAY 1857 and “R”
There are many examples of Victoria Cross holders having a second medal made to act as a security copy which would be worn at perhaps less important official dinners and engagements where to wear the original cross and risk its loss was considered too high a risk. Having done much close examination and visual detective work on this entire group we are more than happy that this superb private duplicate group and its lovely bespoke Victorian glass and mahogony display case were both commissioned and worn by Thomas Hale
THE CRIMEA MEDAL
The Crimea medal with Sebastopol clasp is in GVF condition and is a perfectly standard issue medal at full size which has clearly been worked up as a ‘spare’ and is named in a very neat and totally correct Regimentally Impressed style. The lettering punches which were used to effect the naming are of almost identical light roman serif style to those found on officially impressed medals if somewhat thinner in section but of equal height and proportion. 
(*click on picture for enlargement).
As normal there are totally correct levels of very light contact marking at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock where the Victoria Cross and the Turkish Crimea medal have nudged against the Crimea whilst being worn.
(*click on picture for enlargement)
Naming reads: ASSt SURGn. T E HALE 7th REGt
TURKISH CRIMEA MEDAL (English Type “CRIMEA 1855)
The Turkish Crimea Medal is in GVF+ condition and is of the slightly more scarce English type and is suspended in the original ‘as issued’ manner with a small double ring and piercing arrangement.
The entire trio comes with its original Victorian hand built locking mahogany glazed case which has a clever retracting top hook and a flush fitting rear display stand. The interior being individually recessed and tailored to take the medals with the VC in centre. (Also entitled to a C.B.)
THOMAS EGERTON HALE. C.B. V.C. (Assistant Surgeon)
(Later Lieutenant Colonel)
Born: Faddiley,Nantwich, Cheshire - 24th September 1832
Died: Near Nantwich, Cheshire. 25th December 1909 ( Christmas Day !)
DATE OF ACT OF BRAVERY
8th September 1855
First, For remaining with an officer who was dangerously wounded, (Captain H.M. Jones 7th Regiment), in the fifth parallel, on 8th September 1855, when all teh men in the immediate neighbourhood retreated, excepting Lieutenant W.Hope and Dr Hale; and for endeavouring to rally the men, in conjuntion with Lieutenant W. Hope, 7th Royal Fusiliers. Secondly, For having, on 8th September 1855, after the regiments had retired into the trenches, cleared the most advanced sap of the wounded, and carried into the sap, under a heavy fire, several wounded men from the open ground, being assisted by Serjeant Charles Fisher, 7th Royal Fusiliers.
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A Rare Opportunity to acquire a recipient’s duplicate Crimea Victoria Cross group.
SPECIAL NOTE: We have had a great deal of interest in this group since we first listed it with many, many enquires. The owners of this wonderful group have now instructed us to offer it for open sale on a "First Come First Served" basis at a newly negotiated price of £5500. (The group was previously being asked at a much higher price).
So, if you have asked us about it before when the group was at a higher price you may like to call us again....As normal we can offer you our no-cost Lay-Away plan, so you stll don't have to pay all in one go. A deposit will secure .
With the opening of Lord Ashcroft's Victoria Cross gallery at the I.W.M. you can expect a lot of interest in all things VC from now on. So, if you want to add this to your collection, ring us TODAY on 01342-870926 to avoid disappointment.
A TOTALLY UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY...NOW AT ONLY
SOLD