Lot Essay
The published Naval General Service Medal rolls confirm John Sharp as a Carpenter's Mate aboard the Blonde for both actions, one of just 40 recipients of the 'Anse La Barque 18 Dec. 1809' clasp recorded on the Admiralty roll.
For the cutting out of the French Corvette Nisus and destruction of a Battery in Hayes Harbour, Guadaloupe.
N.B. Although one man with the same names was entitled to a single 'Syria' clasp, it is not without interest that this was probably the award that was sold in London in 1989, then being described as a one clasp issue for 'Anse La Barque 18 Dec. 1809' and probably an altered Syria. Given that the present Medal appears to be entirely as issued with a single side-carriage for the two clasps, we are of the opinion that this is the original award.
For the cutting out of the French Corvette Nisus and destruction of a Battery in Hayes Harbour, Guadaloupe.
N.B. Although one man with the same names was entitled to a single 'Syria' clasp, it is not without interest that this was probably the award that was sold in London in 1989, then being described as a one clasp issue for 'Anse La Barque 18 Dec. 1809' and probably an altered Syria. Given that the present Medal appears to be entirely as issued with a single side-carriage for the two clasps, we are of the opinion that this is the original award.