*British, Anglo-Boer War, Boxed Queen’s South Africa Medal with Three Clasps to Drummer C. Chamberlain, Lancashire Fusiliers, with Photograph Locket*
A Queen’s South Africa Medal (QSA) awarded to Drummer C. Chamberlain, service number 5436, 1st Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, officially impressed on the rim: “5436 DRMR: C. CHAMBERLAIN. LANC: FUS:”. The medal is fitted with three clasps: Cape Colony; Orange Free State and South Africa 1901. Mounted on its original ribbon, with some fraying at the folds, and housed in its original fitted case by W. J. Taylor & Sons, Medallists, London.
Accompanying the medal is a period gilt locket containing two sepia portrait photographs, almost certainly relating to the recipient and his family; offering a poignant personal connection to Chamberlain’s service.
Historical Note: The Queen’s South Africa Medal was instituted in 1899 and awarded to British and Colonial forces serving in the Second Boer War (1899–1902). The Lancashire Fusiliers were heavily engaged in the conflict, fighting at Colenso, Spion Kop, Tugela Heights, and in subsequent operations across the Orange Free State and Transvaal.
Research confirms that Drummer C. Chamberlain (service no. 5436) is recorded twice in the medal rolls of the Lancashire Fusiliers. One entry confirms entitlement to the Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, and South Africa 1902 clasps. The present medal retains three of the clasps.
The inclusion of a personal photograph locket elevates this group beyond the ordinary, providing a tangible human story behind the medal. Such items were often worn or carried as keepsakes during service, and their survival together with the campaign medal is unusual.
*Condition* The medal shows attractive patina and toning, with clear naming around the rim. The clasps are tight and original. Ribbon is period but frayed and split at the folds. Case of issue with velvet and silk interior is present, showing light age wear. The gilt metal locket is well-used with surface wear, but retains its original fittings and both photographs, though the images are faded with age cracks. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
