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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 103

(x) The South Africa Medal awarded to Prvate M. Mahoney, 13th Foot, who appeared in the regimental defaulter's book an impressive sixteen times

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1878 (400. Pte. M. Mahoney. 1/13th Foot.), previously with swivel-brooch mount, suspension sometime reaffixed, evidence of mount at 6 o'clock along edge between letters, otherwise very fine

Matthew Mahoney was born circa 1838 at Bruff, in Ireland's County Limerick, and first attested for the 86th Regiment of Foot at Portsmouth on 8 February 1860. He would go on to have a long but volatile career in the service, appearing in regimental defaulter's book a grand total of 16 times, for 4 of which he was convicted by court marital. 13 of over 21 years of service were spent at overseas postings, including Gibraltar for one year, the Cape of Good Hope for 7 years, Mauritius for 2 and a half years, Transvaal for nearly 2 years and Zululand for nine months.

Mahoney was discharged in December 1861 to join the School of Musketry as a 3rd Class Serjeant Instructor. He was later tried and arrested for drunkenness in October 1865, after which he was reduced to Private and transferred back to the 86th Foot. He was promoted Corporal, in which capacity he reengaged at Mauritius to complete 21 years of service in April 1869. In October 1871 he found himself again reduced to Private after being arrested and tried for unknown reasons, with the same cycle repeating itself again in November 1872 resulting in a brief period of imprisonment.

Mahoney volunteered to transfer to the 13th Foot in early January 1875, and was appointed Lance Corporal in May 1876 and to Corporal the following October. However, he was unable to hold on to the rank and was once more reduced to Private in late March 1879 following confinement and trial for quitting his post.

Later that year, Mahoney was discharged at Devonport on 22 October at his own request after completing just shy of 22 years of service with the Colours; sold together with copied research.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£210