Rare Boer War - Q.S.A. `Casualty with Ghost Dates` Medal (W. Smith - Seaforth Highlanders)

Rare Boer War - Q.S.A. 'Casualty with Ghost Dates' Medal (W. Smith - Seaforth Highlanders)

This original, rare, full size 'Queen South Africa' Medal with 'ghost dates' (and wreath pointing to 'R') has a single clasp to the 'Cape Colony' and was issued to 'Pte. W. Smith of the 2^nd Battalion Seaforth Highlanders'. According to the 'South African Field Force Casualty Roll', he was wounded on the '11^th December 1899' at the battle of 'Magersfontein'. The medal also has nice clear 'ghost dates' (refer to 'Note' below) and is from the first striking of the QSA Medal with Britannia's wreath pointing to the 'R' in Africa, and not the 'F', like the majority of QSA Medals. It is inscribed on the rim '2904 PTE W. SMITH, 2: SEA: HIGHRS:'. I know it's a fairly common name, but I've noticed there was a 'W. Smith' to the same unit who was K.I.A. at the age of 38 in France during WW1. (It's possible it could be the same person) This medal is confirmed on the medal roll and could do with further research. It is in excellent condition, nicely tarnished with its original ribbon.

Note: There were two striking's of this medal, as the Boer war lasted longer than they initially thought. The first issue had the dates '1899 - 1900' in raised figures and the Britannia's wreath pointing to the 'R' in 'AFRICA'. After the mistake had been realized, the dates were removed (machined or polished off) from most of the first issue medals, leaving behind remnants of these dates, known as 'ghost dates.' The second issue were minted without these dates, and Britannia's wreath then pointed to the 'F' in 'AFRICA'.

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