Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

United States of America, Presidential Gold Lifesaving Medal, gold, the obverse with the head of Liberty facing left, ‘Presented by the President of the United States’ inscribed around; the reverse inscribed, ‘To Commander Reginald H. Thornton, R.N., in recognition of Aid Rendered by H.M.S. Kingfisher under his command to the distressed American Steamer Emma Hayward in the Strait of Fuca, October 15th, 1882.’, with integral ‘E. Plurs. Unum’ gold brooch suspension bar, extremely fine £1,800-£2,200

Reginald Heber Thornton was born on 9 July 1845, the grandson of Bishop Reginald Heber, and, joining the Royal Navy, was promoted Lieutenant on 29 March 1866, and Commander on 1 November 1876. He transferred to the Half Pay list, with the rank of Captain, on 30 June 1886, and died on 2 May 1887.