Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Sergeant-Major James Sanderson, 72nd Regiment

Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 2nd issue, large letter reverse (No. 998 Sergeant James Sanderson) engraved in correct style for the period, no regiment given, with swivel scroll suspension, fitted with an additional plain silver ‘I.G.S.’ type clasp; Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society Rescue Medal, circular, engraved garter inscribed, ‘For Health, Pleasure and Safety’, enclosing, ‘Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society Rescue Medal’; reverse inscribed, ‘To Sergt. Major Sanderson, 72nd Regt., for rescuing a boy from drowning in Leith Harbour, 25th July 1865’, 40mm. dia. silver medal, fitted within a 46mm. dia. ornate band, with a swivel cusped suspension, very fine, rare (2) £300-350

The Forth Swimming Club and Humane Society was instituted in 1850. Primarily a club for competitive swimming, it also awarded medals for saving life from the sea within the local area. The headquarters of the club were at one time at the Old Chain Pier at Leith.