Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea, 2nd small type, bronze (S. Blacklock “Isaac M. Kerlin” 16 Feby. 1901) suspension re-affixed, good very fine £260-300

Provenance: Captain J. Hartford Collection, Glendining’s, September 1992; Dix Noonan Webb, September 2011.

S. Blacklock was one of six crew members from the S.S. St. Quentin awarded the Lloyd’s Medal for Saving Life at Sea for the rescue of the crew of the American Schooner Isaac M. Kerlin, which was sinking in the North Atlantic Ocean: ‘On 16 February 1901, at 37 26N, 63 56W, the St. Quentin observed the American schooner Isaac M. Kerlin, registered in Jacksonville and sailing from Baltimore, flying signals of distress, and bore down on her. She had lost her rudder, was leaking badly and was short of food. A lifeboat was launched and the crew were rescued with great difficulty owing to the heavy sea.’ (Lloyd’s Weekly Shipping Index 8 March 1901 refers).

‘Resolved that the silver medal of the society be bestowed upon A. W. May (Mate) and bronze medal upon A.B’s. S. Blacklock, J. Protheroe, J. Cummings, W. Mitchell and P. Hart all of the British steamship St. Quentin as an honorary acknowledgement of their extraordinary exertions in contributing to the saving of life on the occasion of the loss of the American schooner at sea on the 16th February.’ (Committee of Lloyd’s Minutes dated 17 July 1901 refers).