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Arctic medal
Arctic medal

Arctic medal

Date1857
Object number00054971
NameMedal
MediumSilver, woven cloth ribbon
DimensionsOverall: 950 × 33 × 10 mm
ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Karen Burn
DescriptionThe Arctic medal was authorized in 1857 and awarded by the Admiralty, unnamed, to all those who had been engaged in discovery or search expeditions between the years 1818 and 1855. This example was awarded to George Wood who served on HMS ASSISTANCE (1851-1854) as part of the search for the missing Franklin expedition.HistoryThe Arctic medal was authorized in 1857 and awarded by the Admiralty, unnamed, to all those who had been engaged in discovery or search expeditions between the years 1818 and 1855. This example was awarded to George Wood who served on HMS ASSISTANCE (1851-1854) as part of the search for the missing 1847 expedition led by Sir John Franklin.SignificanceThe medal is significant for its association with 19th century polar exploration and the technological changes arising out of the Industrial Revolution which assisted such exploration. The medal is also significant for its association with one of the great mysteries of 19th century exploration - the disappearance of Sir John Franklin's 1847 expedition to find the North-West Passage. The experience of explorers in the arctic later benefitted antarctic exploration.