British India Steam Navigation Co Ltd, 1856-1956. Silver Centenary Medal. By John Pinches (Medallists) Ltd. Boxed With Presentation Card. 38mm. 28g.
 
This medal was issued to commemorate the 100th anniversary (1856–1956) of the British India Steam Navigation Company.
The company originated in 1856 as the Calcutta and Burmah Steam Navigation Company, which itself grew out of Mackinnon, Mackenzie & Co., a trading partnership established by William Mackinnon and Robert Mackenzie. Its initial purpose was to transport mail between Calcutta and Rangoon.
In 1862, the company was renamed the British India Steam Navigation Company. Under the leadership of Lord Inchcape, who became chairman in 1913, the business expanded significantly. In 1914, it became part of the P&O group through a complex amalgamation, while continuing to operate under its own name and structure.
This arrangement lasted for nearly six decades, until 1972, when the company was fully absorbed into P&O. Much later, in 2006, P&O itself was acquired by the Emirati logistics company DP World. 
 
The medal with some hairlines and signs of light handling, the box with some light wear.