Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, bronze (James Carton Junr. Wreck of the “Mary” of Carnarvon, near Balbriggan, 19th Novr. 1858) severe edge bruising and heavily polished, fine £100-120

Sold with a copied Board of Trade letter which gives the following details:

‘These men carried the Harbour Boat across the rocks and succeeded in rescuing the crew of 5 persons of the “Mary” wrecked at Balbriggan on 19th October, 1858. 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 and all hope was gone.’

‘The award was made to “6 fishermen of Balbriggan” but unfortunately their names were not listed... a local subscription raised the sum of 150 shillings.’