RARE! WWI DEATH PENNY/DEAD MAN'S PENNY + VICTORY MEDAL - British Indian Officer

Description

*** VERY RARE & HIGHLY COLLECTIBLE LOT of 2 SPECIAL ITEMS ***
There are a couple of things you need to know about the Dead Man's Penny item that makes it not only sacred, but rare and invaluable. And then of course, the Victory Medal.  I will try and provide as much information as possible.
1) The Death Penny Itself
Imagine your a parent, or spouse, or any next-of-kin.  Your loved one has died in the Greatest War the world had ever seen up to that point in time.  For every commonwealth soldier that perished in World War 1, the British government had crafted a solemn and significant memento in the form a beautiful bronze plaque originally mailed with a form note from King George himself.
But let's back up a bit.
The British government wanted to provide the families of every fallen soldier something signficant that would immortalize their individual identity - and something that could survive the ages and be passed down generation-to-generation.  To figure out what that "something" should be, the government held an open and popular competition attracting over 800 submissions. Ultimately, the chosen design winner was Edward Carter Preston of Liverpool.  In fact, his initial are on every coin (E.Cr.P).  Preston's design featured:
Brittania (a symbol of British unity, liberty, & strength since the 1st century AD) holding a trident (maritime symbol), head bowed, standing with a fierce lion (British strength).
Brittania's outstretched left hand hold a laurel (triumph) wreath above a tablet witht he inscribed name of the fallen soldier.
Importantly, no rank is shown on the named tablet as the ultimate sacrifice is the same for all soliders regardless of rank
At the base is a lion defeating the eagle (symbol of the enemy - Central Powers)
Two dolphins represent British naval power and face Brittania on the left and right
The stylized oak leaves are symbolic of the distinction of the fallen individual.
The inscribed "He Died for freedom and honour" was a required design element from the competition.
Production of the coin bearing Preston's design began in Acton, London then was transferred (ironically) to Wollwich Arsenal and other former munitions factories.  Some pennies were adorned with the scrolled calligraphic message from King George that was included with each penny.  Othere were mounted on the walls of parish churches, tombstones, and/or other memorials.
This original Death Penny isn't just a historic artifiact.  It is the symbol and embodiment of a solider who gave his life for the cause of freedom and the values of the Allied Forces.
2) The Named Soldier
Unfortunately, not much is known about Gulab Khan.  Preliminary research has determined that he was a Corporal who served with the British Indian Army.
Colonial soldiers outside of Canada, Australia and New Zealand, are a "hot" area of research and collecting in the World War I enthusiast and historical community.  Fewer and less reliable records exists from these areas which makes this particular Death Penny all the more poignant, interesting, and valuable.
Despite the fact that many Death Pennies were produced to match the commonwealth deaths of every soldier, the vast majority have been lost, sold, memorialized, or kept within the family as a generational heirloom.
I have personally collected many First World War (WWI) related items over the years.  But this Death Penny was something I treasured deeply.  Every Remembrance Day service, I would take the Penny with me and clutch in during the moment of silence, accutely aware that I may be the only one left on the entire planet thinking of this young soldier, Gulab Khan who was killed during the Great War.
ALSO INCLUDED....
.... is the Original Victory Medal that was awarded to Gulab Khan.  It is inscribed "The Great War of Civilization 1914-1919", a poignant relic from a defining era. Crafted to honor those who stood valiantly during one of history's most significant conflicts, this medal is a symbol of courage and commitment. Bearing intricate details and timeless design, it serves as a tangible reminder of the sacrifices made and the battles endured during the tumultuous years of 1914-1919. Hold in your hands a piece of history that reverberates with the echoes of a war that shaped nations and defined the course of civilization.
The medal rim is engraved to "16999 NK. Gulab Khan, R.A.".  The first number is the soldier's Service Number.  "NK" is abbreviated "Naik".  Naik is a non-commissioned officer (NCO) rank in the Indian Army, which is higher than the rank of sepoy. Naiks serve as team leaders or section commanders. They have additional responsibilities, including supervising a small team of soldiers, ensuring discipline, training, and guiding junior personnel. Naiks act as a bridge between officers and lower-ranking soldiers, helping to maintain effective communication and execution of tasks.  R.A is of course the Royal Army meaning Gulab served with the British Indian Army.
The meda is in good condition with some spotting and age patina.  I've been told that the ribbon is a replacement ribbon - however it seems virtually indistinguishible from comparable originals.
I hope that whoever purchases this item will treat it with the same reverence and solemnity.  It is likely the only monument to this soldier who payed the ultimate price.