Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Board of Trade Medal for Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large, silver ‘Humanity’ medal (Captain John Ramsey Gordon wreck of the “Oriana” on the 26th November 1880) some faint scratches to Queen’s face, generally good very fine, scarce £500-600

Ex Robert W. Tilling Collection, ref. L.S.A.R.S. Journal No.18, p.26-33.

The Board of Trade records for this period are missing/destroyed. The shipwreck is believed to have occured off Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.

Between 1856 and 1901 there were 468 silver and 726 bronze Board of Trade Medals issued, with a further 9 undifferentiated. No records were kept on how many of these were for ‘Humanity’ but they were certainly in the minority. The last medal issued for ‘Humanity’ was made in 1893. In general, the Medal for Gallantry was awarded to those effecting a rescue; the Medal for Humanity was awarded to those making a rescue possible ie ship’s captains.