TOPIC: BSACM unusual mounting

Picture courtesy of DNW

BSACM reverse Rhodesia 1896 (0) (Troopr. B. Munzberg, “H” Troop B.F.F.)

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2004.

Berthold Munzberg acquired a Prospector’s Licence from the Mining Commissioner, Bulawayo, on 28 November 1894, and after staking a claim, sold out on 10 June 1895. He served during the Matabeleland campaign of 1896, and was wounded in action whilst on patrol with Captain Selous on 28 March 1896 (London Gazette 5 April 1898 refers). A contemporary report by Captain J. Nicholson states:

‘Captain Selous with 35 men left Wednesday 25th March [1896] at 7:30 p.m. for Wessexvale and the Malungwani Hills where natives were said to be in arms. He met with little opposition till after crossing the Tuli road and 8 miles south west of Spiro’s store he came into contact with a considerable body of the rebels and had to withdraw. Casualties were Troopers Stracey and Muntzberg wounded. One horse shot. They returned on 30th March.’

It looks like part or all the original suspender are still under the mounting ribbon.

Looks similar to many imperial German mounted medals/groups - his name - Berthold Munzberg - may be a clue!

It is still a pleasing medal, notwithstanding, the recipient will have had it mounted somewhere in his own wretched empire rather than the British empire.

djb wrote:

Picture courtesy of DNW

BSACM reverse Rhodesia 1896 (0) (Troopr. B. Munzberg, “H” Troop B.F.F.)

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, April 2004.

Berthold Munzberg acquired a Prospector’s Licence from the Mining Commissioner, Bulawayo, on 28 November 1894, and after staking a claim, sold out on 10 June 1895. He served during the Matabeleland campaign of 1896, and was wounded in action whilst on patrol with Captain Selous on 28 March 1896 (London Gazette 5 April 1898 refers). A contemporary report by Captain J. Nicholson states:

‘Captain Selous with 35 men left Wednesday 25th March [1896] at 7:30 p.m. for Wessexvale and the Malungwani Hills where natives were said to be in arms. He met with little opposition till after crossing the Tuli road and 8 miles south west of Spiro’s store he came into contact with a considerable body of the rebels and had to withdraw. Casualties were Troopers Stracey and Muntzberg wounded. One horse shot. They returned on 30th March.’