Arctic Medal, 1876
Medals for Polar expeditions were first instituted in 1857. They were awarded to civilian scientists and doctors as well as to men of the Royal Navy; members of American expeditions were also eligible. The Arctic medal, 1875-1876 has an ice-bound ship with storm clouds above.
This medal was awarded to William Ricketts, who was one of 33 crew members on the Pandora, which was a private yacht that explored the Arctic in search of the North West Passage.
It was bought by Lester Watson from the London dealer Spinks at some point before the first catalogue of his collection was compiled in 1928.