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Colony of Natal: Boer War: Lord Roberts, Transvaal War / Souvenir from Simpson & Co. Durban

Colony of Natal: Boer War: Lord Roberts, Transvaal War / Souvenir from Simpson & Co. DurbanColony of Natal: Boer War: Lord Roberts, Transvaal War / Souvenir from Simpson & Co. Durban
Form: Circular. Aluminium shell over cardboard. Pierced hole at 12 o’clock for a ring to a metal bar to which is crimped a red-white-blue ribbon.
By: ?
Date: 1900
Ref:  Hern: 136; Laidlaw: 0288b;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
38.3 mmAluminium Sheet Metal5.4 gm$50

Edge: Upright reeded.

Obverse: A central medallion showing bareheaded bust of Lord Roberts in uniform, front, “LORD (left) ROBERTS (right)”. Above, radiant crown. Behind, Crossed flag poles, British Union flag (left) Royal standard (right). around and behind, laurel wreath tied at the bottom. Legend below: "1899. TRANSVAAL WAR . 1900 ."

Reverse: Across with ornamental lines: "SOUVENIR (in an arc) / FROM / SIMPSON & CO. / OUTFITTERS / DURBAN (in an arc)".

Notes: Simpson's was established in the 1860's as a tailors and outfitters in Penzance, Cornwall. It remains in business today, with branches in Truro and Falmouth. A medal for Lord Roberts, similar to this one, was issued from the Penzance branch, Laidlaw 0288a

In the late 1800's a branch as opened in Durban, South Africa. Two medals were issued from there: Laidlaw 0186 for Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee and this one.