ARCTIC MEDAL DISCOVERY

9th July 2008 Press Release

If you think it’s cold and wet for the time of year, imagine being in the Arctic in the 1850’s! That’s exactly where the brave soul was which rendered him the proud recipient of this rare Victorian medal.

Discovered by ITV’s Richard Winterton Auctioneers of Burton in boxes sent in for valuation, the unassuming medal was awarded to all officers and men engaged in expeditions to the polar regions from 1818 to 1855. It was also awarded to personnel who too part in the search for the ill-fated Franklin Expedition of 1845-48. In all nearly 1,500 medals were awarded and were issued unnamed, (as this example is), although some have been found privately engraved. Miniature examples also exist.

Made of silver, it is surmounted by a nine pointed Pole star and suspension ring which would originally have had a ribbon through. There is a strong market for all medals and decorations at the moment and this Arctic medal is expected to fetch over £550 when it is offered in next Thursdays Collectors’ Auction at Richard Winterton’s, (17th July). Please phone 01283 511224 for any further information on coins and medals.