A Sea Gallantry Medal and associated Pocket Watch awarded to Seaman Charles William Gordon of the Servia, for attempting to save a life at sea, 12 June 1886

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver (C. W. Gordon, of the S.S. “Servia” of Liverpool, 12th June 1886) fitted with an ornate silver scroll, in fitted case of issue, edge bruising, good very fine; together with an associated Hunter Pocket Watch, with silver case, by ‘A.W. Co., Waltham’, inscription on outside of case faint; inscription on inside reads, ‘Presented by the Passengers of the S.S. Servia to Charles William Gordon for his Gallant Attempt to Save the Life of Seaman Houston on June 12th 1886’, with a base metal chain, glass from watch face missing, some damage to watch face, condition of internal workings unknown, outer case worn (2) £450-550

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards.

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‘For his gallant conduct in attempting to save the life of W. Houston, a fellow seaman, who had fallen overboard from the Cunard Royal Mail steamship Servia, at sea on 12 of June last. Gordon who had jumped into the sea from the starboard lookout in order to save his shipmate was in very exhausted condition when picked up by the ship’s boat, and remained under the doctor’s care for several days.’ (Ref. The Sea Gallantry Medal, by R. J. Scarlett)