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D2006-CMD-1303
Carib War medal, 1773
D2006-CMD-1303

Carib War medal, 1773

Date1773
Maker George Michael Moser
OriginEngland
MediumSilver
Dimensions56 mm, suspension loop not included
Credit LineGift of the Lasser family
Object number2004-21,20
DescriptionCarib War - St. Vincent Rebellion Suppressed 1773
Label TextWhen the Hon. J.W. Fortescue published his defining history of the British Army in 1903, he referred to the slave rebellion on the island of St. Vincents as "a petty but troublesome expedition." As a number of well-penned, detailed accounts of the event have appeared in numismatic publications, there is little need here for more than a quick summary. With the encouragement and support of the French, the Carib inhabitants of the island of St. Vincents rebelled against British attempts at colonizing the place.

Two battalions serving in North America, and a number from Britain were brigaded with regiments already in the West Indies and sent to the island to subdue the Caribs. This force was composed of the 6th, 14th, 31st, 32nd, 50th and 68th regiments, along with 6 companies of the 2nd Battalion "Royal American" 60th Regiment and small detachments from the 70th Regiment, in addition to some Artillery and Marines. Success was finally achieved after a fierce struggle on 27 February 1773.

Military historians have paid little attention to this rebellion, and it may have been contemporarily viewed as more of a minor "police action" subduing savages than a great martial victory. Therefore, the issuance of an award medal seems slightly unusual - so it may have been intended as more of a "token of thanks."

The obverse bears a portrait of George III and the legend GEORGIVS. III. MB. REX., which appears on no other medal produced during his 60 year reign. The reverse depicts Britannia offering the olive sprig to a Carib, who has put down his arms, and the legend PEACE AND PROSPERITY TO ST. VINCENTS, with the date in exergue. The passive reverse of the medal has more in common with a drinking toast or a "good wish" than a statement of military accomplishment. Therefore, it does not seem unreasonable that this medal was made on the behalf of grateful British planters (& their financial interest, above others) who wanted to show there appreciation to the officers who at the direction of the government, protected their property on St. Vincents.

This medal is attributed to George Michael Moser, one of the finest gold chasers of the 18th century (working in London until his death in 1783), based on the signature MOSER.F on the truncation of George III's arm. However, this signature is not present on the majority of pieces studied, as with this specimen, where it has been deliberately tooled off. Considering the extremely high quality of the rendering, it is certain that Moser executed, at the very least, the pattern for this medal.

It should be noted that of the units participating the action, all but two served in North America during the American Revolution. Since these medals were awarded to the British 14th Regiment, which then went to Virginia (and was in Williamsburg), examples may have been worn during the Battle of Great Bridge.