First Arctic Medal

First Arctic Medal, presented to Benjamin Bradshaw (1819-1908), Boatswain's Mate in HMS Resolute 1850-51.

Obverse: Head of Queen Victoria in a small diadem, (left). Legend: 'VICTORIA REGINA'.

Reverse: Port broadside view of a barque in the ice, a sledge party in the foreground, icebergs in the distance. Legend: 'FOR ARCTIC DISCOVERIES'. Exergue: '1818-1855'. The medal is suspended by a star and loop from a white ribbon. It is uninscribed.

Object Details

ID: MED2351
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Polar medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Wyon, Leonard Charles
Events: Arctic Exploration: Franklin Search Expedition, Austin, 1850-1851
Date made: 1857
People: Bradshaw, Benjamin; Queen Victoria
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: 33 mm