April 11-13, 2023 Firearms and Militaria
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2023
The South Africa Medal (1880), often referred to as the "Zulu War Medal", is a campaign medal that was awarded to members of the British Army, Royal Naval Brigade, and Colonial Volunteers who participated in a series of South African tribal wars between 1877-1879, most notably for the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. These medals are generally encountered engraved in upright or sloping serif capitals, although a number of minor style variations are documented. This example is engraved in sloping serif capitals "1957. PTE R. THOMPSON. 80TH FOOT." Thompson appears on the rolls with confirmation of the award. The medal displays the 1878-9 clasp. A total of 1185 of the 1878-9 clasps were awarded, 626 to the 80th Foot. The 80th Regiment of Foot (Staffordshire Volunteers) were ordered to South Africa, arriving in Natal in 1877. Members of the regiment built Fort Amiel and subsequently fought in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879-80, initially suffering heavy casualties before playing a key role in breaking the military power of the Zulu Nation at the Battle of Ulundi, resulting in a defeat of the main Zulu army. CONDITION: The medal exhibits a light patina with crisp engraving.