The Victoria Cross, V.C. as its known is the highest military decoration awarded for bravery in the British Empire.

It was instituted in 1856 by Queen Victoria to honour acts of exceptional bravery in the Crimean war. It is said to be made from original gun-metal from captured Russian cannons at the battle of Stevastopal, but doubt doubt has been shed on this as Chinese cannon that had been captured from the Russians earlier.

This is a modern reproduction of this very prized medal!