Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Edward VII Sea Gallantry Medal pair awarded to Aberdeen Fisherman Charles Cay, for the rescue of the crew of the Danish steamship ‘Xenia’ in 1903

Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, E.VII.R., Large Bronze Medal (Charles Cay, Wreck of the “Xenia” on the 1st February 1903) in its original gold embossed presentation case; Denmark, Medal for Saving Life from Drowning, Christain IX, silver with ring suspension, inscribed on the rim (Charles Cay) in its original presentation case, the second with an edge bruise, otherwise good very fine (2) £900-1200

Only 23 of the larger bronze Sea Gallantry Medals were issued under Edward VII, before the size of the medals was reduced in 1904, so that they could be worn.

The Danish cargo steamer Xenia, of Copenhagen, bound from Newcastle for Boston, ran ashore at Cruden, 25 miles from Aberdeen, in a violent gale and snowstorm on 1 February 1903. Captain Cruse and 24 men were saved by local fishermen from the village of Whinnyfold, who immediately put out in the fishing boat Vine. Two members of the Danish crew were drowned. All ten fishermen were rewarded by the Board of trade and by the Danish Government for their bravery. Sold with further details including copies of a photograph of the Danish crew, and of a painting of the Xenia going aground.