A Fine Crimea War Sharpshooter's D.C.M. Group of Four to Private J. Hartley, 42nd Highlanders, Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (42nd Highlanders); Crimea, two clasps, Alma, Balaklava (1986, 42 Royal Highlanders), regimentally impressed naming; Indian Mutiny, one clasp, Lucknow (Serjt., 42nd Highlanders); Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, unnamed, the first with refixed suspension and possibly plugged at 6 o'clock, contact wear and edge bruising, about very fine or better (4)

Details

A Fine Crimea War Sharpshooter's D.C.M. Group of Four to Private J. Hartley, 42nd Highlanders, Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (42nd Highlanders); Crimea, two clasps, Alma, Balaklava (1986, 42 Royal Highlanders), regimentally impressed naming; Indian Mutiny, one clasp, Lucknow (Serjt., 42nd Highlanders); Turkish Crimea, Sardinian die, unnamed, the first with refixed suspension and possibly plugged at 6 o'clock, contact wear and edge bruising, about very fine or better (4)

Lot Essay

D.C.M. Recommendations Dated 4 and 12.1.1855.

Private Joseph Hartley enlisted in the 79th Highlanders in May 1842, but quickly transferred to the Black Watch. Subsequently actively engaged in the Crimea, he was present at the Battles of Alma and Balaklava, in addition to serving before Sebastopol, his D.C.M. being awarded in respect of 'gallant conduct' when employed as a sharpshooter at the latter place between 17-24 October 1854 (Abbott refers). Hartley was slightly wounded while performing similar duties on 8.7.1855 and received advancement to Corporal in September of the same year.

Next engaged in the Indian Mutiny, not least in the Lucknow operations, he was promoted to Lance-Sergeant in February 1858 and was wounded in action at Fort Rooyah in April of the same year. Hartley afterwards briefly held the rank of Sergeant but was reduced to Private for offences unknown in September 1859 and was discharged at Netley in July 1863.