Lot 4231

Description

Good Shooting Medal, private C.Gell Marksman 1860. Robe Town Rifles, South Australia, 1860, medal in silver (32mm), edge engraved 'Robe Town Rifles' and rev. inscribed 'Private / C.Gell / Marksman / 1860'. Very fine and extremely rare.

A similar medal in gold is in the Numismatic Collection of South Australia. The Robe Town Rifle Company was formed in 1860. 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. Gell volunteered for the Robe Town Cavalry in 1866 and was appointed cornet. He was town clerk of Robe in 1871, 1876 and 1877. He married Annie Powell of Mt Gambier on 15th September 1866 and died on 12th September 1905. Ex. Sale 39 lot 734.