1867 to 1868 Abyssinian War Medal 1016 H. Mahoney 33rd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment
An original Victorian silver Abyssinian War Medal awarded to:
1016 H. MAHONEY
33RD D.W. REGT.
This distinctive campaign medal was sanctioned on 1 March 1869 for British, Indian and naval forces who served in the Abyssinian Expedition between 4 October 1867 and 19 April 1868.
The reverse naming is embossed in raised lettering rather than engraved around the edge. This required the Royal Mint to use special composite dies with interchangeable centres for individual recipients, making it one of the most technically elaborate and expensive British campaign medals ever produced.
The campaign followed Emperor Tewodros II’s imprisonment of the British Consul, missionaries and other European captives at Magdala. Lieutenant General Sir Robert Napier led a remarkable expedition from the Red Sea coast through mountainous Ethiopian terrain to secure their release.
The 33rd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment led the assault on Magdala on 13 April 1868. Drummer Michael Magner and Private James Bergin of the 33rd were awarded the Victoria Cross for their actions during the attack. The regiment subsequently received the battle honour “Abyssinia.”
The obverse depicts a crowned and veiled portrait of Queen Victoria surrounded by a nine pointed star, with the letters of ABYSSINIA placed between the points. The reverse carries the recipient’s details within a laurel wreath. The medal is suspended beneath an ornate Imperial Crown and retains a red ribbon with white edges.
Condition is consistent with age and service, old repair around the suspension with attractive toning, surface marks and general wear. The ribbon appears to be a later replacement and has old mounting material to the reverse. Please study the photographs carefully as they form part of the description.
A scarce and historically important Victorian campaign medal, made especially desirable by its award to the 33rd Duke of Wellington’s Regiment, which led the final assault on Magdala.
