Lot 2315

Description

Good Shooting Medal. Private W.P.Dunk Marksman 1860. Milano Rifle Company, in silver (32mm), edge engraved 'Milano Rifle Company', rev. inscribed 'Private / W.P.Dunk / Marksman / 1860'. Very fine and extremely rare.

A similar medal in gold is in the Numismatic Collection of South Australia. The South Australian Government Gazette (P347) of 1860 published a volunteer Military Force announcement concerning the award of gold and silver medals for marksmen. This general order was later amended to read 'A Company prize silver medal given to best shot in each company etc. etc.' From the records it would appear that four gold and four silver medals were awarded in 1861. However, these awards were discontinued in 1862 and crossed rifles insignia replaced the medals, it is possible that the medals, in some cases, may have been exchanged for the insignia.