NAM.1982-03-50-1

Private museum publicity token, 1898-1908 (c). Made of bronze; issued by Mr T G Middlebrook and illustrating the bugle used at Balaklava, Crimean War (1854-1856), 1854, by Trumpet Maj Henry Joy, 17th Light Dragons (Lancers), then exhibited in the museum. The obverse bears the badge of the 17th Light Dragoons (Lancers), and a stringed bugle surmounted by a crown, and the inscription , ‘FREE MUSEUM/ THE BUGLE THAT SOUNDED THE BALACLAVA CHARGE’. Reverse bears the union flag with an oak leaf entwined on the pole and the inscription, ‘LARGEST/ EGG/ IN THE WORLD’, ‘FREE MUSEUM’, ‘WITH SEASONS GREETINGS/ FROM T: G: MIDDLEBROOK’. Mr Middlebrook purchased the bugle in 1898 and it was sold again in 1908; the bugle was thought to be that which sounded the ‘Charge’ for the Light Brigade, however it is probable that the charge was not sounded, and although Hill did not take part in the action, it has been said that he may have sounded the ‘Advance’.

Balaklava, Battle of, 1854 (Crimean War, Charge of the Light Brigade, 1854 (Crimean War 1854-1856)