TOPIC:

In the next Kaplan auction there is a QSA named to Pietersburg Light Horse :

Lot T023
QSA (2) Tvl and SA1902
585 Tpr M. GOLDWASSER Pietersburg L.H.
With a photocopy of the original page of the Roll showing his bar entitlement. He is mentioned in the book “The Bushveldt Carbineer’s and the Pietersburg L.H.” by Bill Woolmore Page 194 VF+
Est R2800

I was wondering how rare are QSAs to the PLH and how much of a premium their predecessor unit adds?

David

David

I don't have a record of previous sales, but I suspect that the medals are rare. I also suspect that the estimate for the one on Kaplan's auction is hopelessly unrealistic and that the medal will go for a high price.

Regards
Brett

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (566 Tpr. W. Angus. Pietersburg L.H.)

William Angus had no prior service in the BVC. His clasps are verified on WO100/263p151 and 263p197.

I came across this example from the Spink Centenary Auction:

QSA (5) Cape Colony OFS Tr SA01 SA02 (325 Tpr. J. Kleinschmidt, Piet'bg. L.H.)

Trooper J. Kleinschmidt enlisted in the Bushveldt Carbineers on 5 July 1901 and served with them during the period of the atrocities. He stayed on when the unit was renamed to the Pietersburg Light Horse in 1 December 1901 and was discharged on 30 June 1902.

Confusion existed as to whether the medal should be named to the Bushveldt Carbineers or PLH and consequently they can be found named to the wrong unit. In Kleinschmidt's case he was one of the minority who served in both. As many of the BVC and PLH men served in previous units, it is rare to find a medal named to one of the other.

Only 57 medals were issued named to the BVC or PLH.

Estimate £3,000 to 5,000
Realised £3,450

Two examples of PLH men whose medal is named to a different unit.

QSA (3) Rhodesia, Relief of Mafeking, Transvaal (932 Tpr: J. May. B.S.A. Police.).

J. May was born in 1874 at Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland. He also served as Saddler Corporal with the Pietersburg Light Horse (formerly Bushveld Carbineers of ‘Breaker Morant’ fame) from 17 December 1901-17 June 1902. Having joined the British South Africa Police he deserted on 4 June 1905.

Realised £260 at Spink in the summer.

QSA (5) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Pte. C. Billingham, Rly. Pnr. Regt.)

Private C. Billingham joined the Pietersburg Light Horse following his service with the Railway Pioneer Regiment, the former unit being the irregular and notorious Regiment which was previously known n as the Bushveldt Carbineers. The unit's name was changed to the Pietersburg Light Horse after the arrests of Lieutenants 'Breaker' Morant, Handcock and Witton on charges of murder.