Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, awarded to Sgt. Maj. H. Kingshott, 1833

Obverse, a collection of war trophies with a royal shield at the centre

Reverse, inscription

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Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal, 1833

The first long-service medal instituted in Britain was this one of 1830, which King William IV intended should be awarded to any soldier who were given a gratuity at their discharge in recognition of their good service. His instructions specify: "The men entitled to this Medal must have completed twenty-one years of actual service in the Infantry, or twenty-four in the Cavalry, never have been convicted by Court Martial, and must have borne an irreproachable character, or have particularly distinguished themselves in the Service."
Benedetto Pistrucci came up with the elaborate design on the obverse; it includes the shield of Hanover, where however a separate long-service medal would be later issued by William. This medal was awarded to Sergeant-Major H. Kingshott, of the Waggon Train. Lester Watson purchased it at some point before 1928.