Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (Thos. Walsh, Wreck of the “Mary”, of Carnarvon near Balbriggan, 19th Novr. 1858) edge bruising, very fine £200-250

Thomas Walsh and five others (all with the surname ‘Carton’), all Fishermen of Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, ‘carried the harbour boat across rocks and succeeded in rescuing the crew (five persons) of the brigantine Mary, of Carnarvon, wrecked at Balbriggan. The lifeboat had already made three attempts to reach the vessel, which was fast breaking up, but had been blown back each time by the wind, all hope was gone...’ (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett).