Historical Objects / Medals

Collection of Tyler Yates

Return of the City of London Volunteers from South Africa

Engraver:
George Frampton
Year:
1900
Country:
Great Britain
Diameter:
77 mm
Obverse:
Londonia in armor seated on a raised dais holding a broad sword in her left hand. Flanking her on both sides, three standing females who salute with a fanfare a soldier standing before Londonia and receiving the freedom of the City. The trumpets are made from elephant’s tusks with a banner showing: “C.I.V.”. In the background, two lines of marching soldiers. On each side, the design is framed within an oak branch intertwined with ribbons bearing the names of military engagements.
PRO PATRIA REGINA ET VRBE
JACOBSDAAL / PAADEBERG / THABANCHU / BRITSTOWN / WELKOM / ZAND RIVER / TINDLEY
DORNKOP / FLORIDA / DIAMOND HILL / PRETORIA / FREDERICKSTADT / BETHLEHEM / WARM BATHS
GEO. FRAMPTON
Reverse:
In the centre, a small conical-shaped hill on top of which is a flag pole flying the Union flag below which is the CIV standard (Cross of St George; coronet and dagger in first quarter; “C.I.V.” in third quarter). Surrounding the hill at its base, an orderly circle of young oak trees. Standing guard in the foreground, two artillery pieces, facing outwards and, in the background, a large radiant sun.
THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS RAISED AND EQUIPPED FOR THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA BY THE CITIZENS OF LONDON FORMED DECEMBER 1899 RETURNED TO LONDON OCTOBER 1900
References:
BHM 3684
Eimer 1848

This medal is part of the City of London series. 550 examples were struck in bronze, and a few in silver.

This medal comes in an ornate case with more description. On the front of the case: IN COMMEMORATION OF / THE RAISING AND EQUIPMENT OF / THE CITY OF LONDON IMPERIAL VOLUNTEERS (gothic script) / AND THEIR SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA / 1899 – 1900 / The Right Hon. Sir ALFRED JAMES NEWTON, Bart. / LORD MAYOR / Sir WILLIAM PURDIE TRELOAR, KNT., ALD / Sir ALFRED HENRY BEVAN, KNT. (above two lines bracketed by) SHERIFFS / CHARLES THOMAS HARRIS Esq. DEPUTY / CHAIRMAN OF THE LIBRARY COMMITTEE

On the inside of the case: OBVERSE (large letters underlined) / HERALDS ARE SHOWN WITH TRUMPETS CALLING UP VOLUNTEERS / THE CENTRAL FIGURE REPRESENTS THE CITY OF LONDON, ARMED, GIVING / THE FREEDOM TO A DEPARTING C.I.V. / AT THE TOP THE MEN ARE SEEN MARCHING TO THE FRONT / THE MEDAL IS SURROUNDED BY BRANCHES OF STURDY / BRITISH OAK, ENTWINED WITH A RIBBON BEARING THE / NAMES OF THE PRINCIPAL ENGAGEMENTS IN WHICH / THE C.I.V’S TOOK PART.

On the outside of the case: “REVERSE (large letters underlined) / THE RADIANT SUN OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE / SHINES BEHIND A HILL WHICH IS SURMOUNTED / BY A TALL STAFF FLYING THE UNION JACK / AND THE C.I.V. FLAG. / ENCIRCLING THE BASE OF THE MOUND ARE YOUNG / OAKS, SYMBOLIC OF THE NEW GROWING TERRITORIES. / GUNS TO RIGHT AND LEFT GUARD THE FLAGS. / GEO. J. FRAMPTON, A.R.A.”.

Thanks to southafricanmedals.com for the information to help read all the inscriptions.