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Auction: 25001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 294

South Africa, Zululand, King Cetshwayo kaMpande token/medallet, 19mm including suspension x 13mm, obverse with portrait and details 'CETEWAYO', reverse 'THE ZULU WAR MEDAL', very fine

Whilst in captivity following his capture at the end of the Anglo-Zulu War, King Cetshwayo worked hard to keep British public interest alive in his circumstances and the fragile state of the Zulu kingdom. He received visitors both during his incarceration at Cape Castle and later on the farm Oude Moulen, and he became fashionable among visiting British gentry, many of whom became sympathetic to his cause. In order to further awareness, the King presented visitors with his autograph - which he was taught to write during his time in the Castle - and with these small medals, which were apparently produced for him by his admirers.

They were also likely in hand when the King came to London in 1882 (with two die variants - with and without reverse legend), to great public acclaim. Captain Mitchell in the centenary issue of the South African Military History Society Journal gave further details and information has also been provided by Ian Knight. An example is held in the collection of the British Museum.

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Estimate
£180 to £220

Starting price
£140