History

The Royal Niger Company Medal was established by the Royal Niger Company in 1899. It was awarded to Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers, and enlisted men of the British Army and native troops in recognition of service in campaigns led on the Company's territory from 1886-1897. Eligibility was restricted to campaigns where casualties were suffered. The Royal Niger Company Medal is awarded in 2 grades. Silver Medals were awarded to European troops while Bronze Medals were awarded to Native troops.

The Silver Medal was awarded with a "NIGERIA 1886-97" clasp. An additional "NIGERIA 1898-99" clasp was intended to also be awarded, but these plans were never actualized as a result of the establishment of the East and West Africa Medal.

The Silver Medal was issued named, although a numbing of different naming styles were used.

There are 2 versions of the Silver Medal. The first version was instituted in 1899 and depicts the maker’s mark: “SPINK & SON LOND.”, while the second version features the change in maker’s mark to “SPINK & SON LTD.” when the Medal was renewed in 1993.

There may be additional versions that differ in size.