Instituted:
Authorised by a General Order issued in Simla on the 4th October 1842. There are four different strikings of this medal plus two which, according to British Battles and Medals, appear to have been mistakes. The former of these has the legend VICTORIA REGINA on the obverse, instead of VICTORIA VINDEX. The second, which refers to the medal issued for Cabul, carries the spelling CABVL. All medal types
Qualification:
Awarded to men who took part in the 1842 actions at Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul in Afghanistan.
Description:
There are four different strikings of this medal plus two which, according to British Battles and Medals, appear to have been mistakes. The former of these has the legend VICTORIA REGINA on the obverse, instead of VICTORIA VINDEX. The second, which refers to the medal issued for Cabul, carries the spelling CABVL. All medal types have the same obverse, and the four separate reverse designs are dealt with individually below.
A silver, 36mm diameter medal featuring the diademed head of Queen Victoria on the obverse and the legend VICTORIA VINDEX. The medal was designed by William Wyron (1795-1851) who was the official chief engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death.
1. Reverse: Candahar May 1842
CANDAHAR and the date 1842 underneath. Surmounted by a crown, CANDAHAR and the date are surrounded by a laurel wreath.
2. Reverse: Cabul 15th September 1842
CABUL and the date 1842 underneath. Surmounted by a crown, CABUL and the date are surrounded by a laurel wreath. The rare CABVL version was issued to 15 men.
3. Reverse: Ghuznee and Cabul
Two intertwined laurel wreaths with GHUZNEE in the first wreath and CABUL in the second. Both wreaths are surmounted by a single crown and the date 1842 appears beneath.
4. Reverse: Candahar, Ghuznee and Cabul
CANDAHAR, GHUZNEE, CABUL and 1842 on four separate lines, surmounted by a crown and surrounded by a laurel wreath.
Ribbon:
41mm wide, rainbow pattern watered red, white, yellow, white and blue.
Suspension:
Straight steel suspender fastened by a pin to a steel clip affixed to the piece. A variety of replacement suspensions are often seen.
Naming:
A variety of styles: some in script, some in indented capitals, a few un-named. Medals to the 40th Foot and the Artillery are generally found with engraved script. Medals to the 41st Foot are generally named in engrave roman capitals.
Clasps:
None issued, although the unofficial clasps Marzenia 1842 and Tazeane 1842 are sometimes found attached to the Cabul medal.
Acknowledgements:
The photograph is taken from the Spink & Son July 2009 auction catalogue whilst British Battles and Medals has been invaluable in putting together the information.
