Orders, Decorations and Medals

Royal Humane Society, large silver medal (R.H.S. I. Colen, Armigero vitas ob restitvtas dono dat 1805), unmounted as issued, edge bruising, some scratch marks to reverse, about very fine £180-220

The reverse inscription provides some interesting details, indicating I. or J. Colen was accorded the title of ‘Amigero’ (Esquire) rather than the slightly less distinguished title of Do. (Domino = Mister) more usually found. The plural form of the usual reverse inscription also suggests the medal was awarded for the saving of several lives. This is likely to indicate it was an honorary award for service over a period of time as one of the Society’s Medical Assistants or possibly as an award for a prize-winning essay on the subject of life-saving or resuscitation. ‘J. Colen’ is confirmed as having been awarded the Society’s Medal in 1805. Under a listing of ‘Guardians of Human Life’, ‘J. Colen, Esquire, New Inn’ is listed as both a ‘Governor for Life’ and ‘Steward’ of the Society. Sold with copied research.