5th Regiment Merit Medal with ribbon

Date1785-1800

MediumSilver and silk

DimensionsDiameter: 34mm Thickness: 1/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2012-159

DescriptionObverse; St. George and the dragon facing right below a ribbon inscribed with the Latin motto of the regiment; "Quo Fata Vocant" meaning "Wherever the Fates Call."

Reverse; "Vth. Foot MERT" with "March the 10th 1767" in exergue all within a laurel wreath.

Label TextFollowing the cast Merit medals the 5th Regiment had made in Ireland during the 1760s came this type, which was struck from engraved dies on a screw press. Still bearing the date the Order of Merit was created on, these refined medals are believed to have been initially awarded during the decade succeeding the American Revolution. As a silver medal, this example was awarded for 14 years Merit, and may have been worn by a veteran of the American war.

This example is much worn, and was polished often by the long-serving soldier who had earned it. Furthermore, its original suspension loop was replaced with a more fashionable ribbon par during the first part of the 19th century, and its gosling green ribbon may be original to the medal.

For a discussion of similar medals see Major J.L. Balmer's "British and Irish Regimental & Volunteer Medals 1745-1895," Devonshire: Langlands Edition LTD, 1988, pp. 100 -110.