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 "3944. GUNR. J. TAIT. R.A." The medal displays the 1878-9 clasp. A total of 18332 of the 1879 clasps were issued with approximately 1114 awarded to the Royal Artillery's various batteries. Tait appears on the rolls with confirmation of the medal and 1879 clasp. The Royal Artillery played a crucial role during the Zulu Wars, supporting various regiments with much needed support. CONDITION: The medal exhibits a light patina with crisp engraving.