North West Canada Medal 1885 w Saskatchewan Clasp

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Canada, North-West Rebellion 1885 - North West Canada Medal (NWCM) 1885 with Saskatchewan Clasp and Documentation. Awarded to Private James A Passey of the Winnipeg Battalion Light Infantry, “C” Company. Passey is listed on the medal roll having been awarded the medal and clasp – Item Number 12407. The Winnipeg Light Infantry Battalion, formed on April 10, 1885, was mobilized for active service during the North West Rebellion. Redesignated as the Winnipeg Light Infantry Battalion on May 15, 1885, it served in the Alberta Column of the North West Field Force.

Introduced September 18, 1885, the North West Canada Medal was awarded to Canadian local forces, attached British Army officers and members of the North-West Mounted Police, who took part in the suppression of the North-West Rebellion. The “Saskatchewan” clasp was awarded to individuals who participated in key engagements, such as Duck Lake, Fish Creek, or Batoche, between March and May 1885, as verified by military records and commanding officers. It is constructed out of a die stamped silver base. The obverse features the effigy of Queen Victoria (with diadem and veil) and “L. C. Wyon” (designer) to the neck, surrounded by “Victoria Regina et imperatrix”. The reverse reads: “North West 1885 Canada” surrounded by a maple leaf branch. The rim is engraved: “Pte. James. Passey No. 125 91st W.L.I.”. To the top is a double-toe claw mount, with a straight swiveling suspender that attaches the clasp, in roller chain fashion. The clasps read: “Saskatchewan” (2,250 recipients). Some obverse hairlines and cleaned. There is a faded 1 1/2 inch long blue and red ribbon running through the clasp and suspender. The medal measures 36mm in diameter.

Included is an original handwritten recommendation for Passey. Dated: Winnipeg, 20th October 1885 from Dr. J.H. Arton writes: “This is to certify that I have known James Passey for the past two years and have always considered him honest, faithful, & trustworthy. For some time, previous to his enlistment in the Winnipeg Light Infantry for duty during the late Rebellion, he was in my service and I had every reason to be particularly well pleased with him.” Also included is Passey’s later original Certificate of Military Instruction showing that “Corporal J. Passey, "B" Troop, Royal Canadian Dragoons has attended the Royal School of Instruction at Winnipeg from the 20th of February to the 20th of May, 1893”. A historic piece.