*British, WW1, Memorial Plaque (“Death Penny”) in Original Packet with Named WW1 Victory Medal – Rfn. Edward Charles Hart, 18th London Regiment*
An original First World War British Memorial Plaque (“Death Penny”) issued in bronze to commemorate Edward Charles Hart, accompanied by its original issue cardboard packet and a named British Victory Medal.
The Memorial Plaque displays the classic Britannia and lion design, with the recipient’s name EDWARD CHARLES HART cast in raised lettering within the tablet. The plaque retains a deep, even brown patina with light age spotting consistent with original issue. The original cardboard packet survives, correctly folded, and clearly associated with the plaque.
The accompanying Victory Medal is correctly named to 6930 PTE. E. C. HART, 18-LOND. R., with original gilded finish and suspension ring intact. Together, these items form a poignant and historically coherent group relating to a London Regiment rifleman of the Great War.
Historical Note: Edward Charles Hart served with the 18th Battalion, London Regiment, a unit that saw extensive service on the Western Front during the First World War. The London Regiment was heavily engaged in some of the most sustained and costly fighting of the conflict, and casualties within its battalions were severe.
Hart’s service is recorded under multiple wartime service numbers (including 6920 / 6930 / 593986), a common occurrence reflecting transfers, re-numbering, and administrative changes during and after the war. His sacrifice is formally commemorated by the issue of the Memorial Plaque, sent by the British government to the next of kin of those who died in service.
Pension ledger records confirm his widow Daisy Hart, resident in Kensington, and surviving children Elsie Alice (b. 1911) and Edith Maud (b. 1917), grounding this group firmly in documented family and social history. The presence of both plaque and medal together significantly enhances the historical integrity and collectability of the group.
*Condition* The Memorial Plaque is in very good original condition, retaining an attractive aged patina with minor surface spotting and gentle wear consistent with age, with all design details sharp and legible. The original cardboard packet shows expected handling wear, edge softening, and surface rubbing but remains structurally sound and complete. The Victory Medal retains much of its original gilded finish, with light contact marks and edge wear commensurate with age; naming is clear and crisp, and the suspension ring is intact and secure. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.
Memorial Plaques remain among the most evocative and personal relics of the Great War. Examples retained with their original issue packets and accompanied by named medals are increasingly scarce and highly sought after, particularly when supported by clear service and family documentation. This is a strong, well-attributed London Regiment casualty group with excellent display and research potential.
