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Click here to subscribeSECOND WORLD WAR AND OTHER MEDALS. Four second World War medals comprising: 1939-45, Atlantic and Burma stars with a War Medal in cardboard box of issue addressed to Mrs B.M. Britch, 634, Oxford Road, Reading. A pair comprising Africa Service Medal and War Medal privately named to W159604 M. Andrews. And an India Service Medal, unnamed as issued.
A WELL DOCUMENTED SECOND WORLD GROUP OF SIX TO A DECORATED POLISH BOMBER PILOT. A group of six comprising 39-45 and Air Crew Europe Stars, Defence and War Medals, unnamed as issued, unworn in delivery box with enclosure slips and ribbons, the box addressed to 782898 W/O Fojud E. 42 Derby Rd, Eastwood, Notts. With a Polish Cross of Valour with Second Award clasp and Polish Award for Military Virtue (Virtuti Militari), silver and enamel, numbered 9518. With ribbon bar for the last two and award certificate for the Order of 'Virtuti Militari'. His record show that he was also awarded a Polish Air Medal with 2 Bars (a small scrap of ribbon amongst the archive supports this award). Other reports suggest the aviation medal was awarded four times and the Cross of Valour three times. With the recipients RAF cloth wings, four cap badge, and an extensive archive of images, documents and associated items including Pay Book, photographs, one of which identifies Edmund Fojud, and an extensive handwritten diary (in polish). 78289 Edmund Fojud was born on the 12th November 1920 in Chojno, Poznan in Poland to parents Wojciech and Maria. He married his wife Betty on the 22nd July 1944. His period of service in the Polish Air force running from the 12th of June 1937 until the 1st October 1946. Records suggest that Edmund joined the Aviation Non-Commissioned Officer school in Bydgoszcz in 1937 and was a competent pilot by the outbreak of the war. In September '39 he was evacuated to Romania then to Syria and he was in France by November. In March 1940 he trained with other Polish pilots as a Bomber pilot in North Africa. Following the fall of France he came to Britain where he was assigned to the 300th Polish Bomber Squadron on the 8th December 1941. Prior to the outbreak of war there had been an understanding that the Polish Airforce would establish ta small number of Bomber squadrons in Great Britain, the 300th Squadron 'Ziemia Mazowiecka' was the first of these being established on the 1st July 1940. Initially based at RAF Bramcote the squadron flew 3,891 sorties during the war. Flying Wellingtons for much of the War they moved to Lancasters from March 1944. The final mission was flown in April 1945 against Hitler's residence in Berchtesgaden. The unit disbanded on the 2nd of January 1947. Fojud flew with the squadron in Wellington Mk IV's during the first half of 1942 when there was a period of concerted high-intensity night bombing across Germany. He flew regularly during April and May attacking a number of different targets including Essen, Dortmund, Rostock, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Mannheim. The 1000 Bomber Raids hold a special place in the history of the Second World War, and 300 Squadron played an important part in the three well documented attacks on Cologne, Essen and Bremen. It seems that Fojud flew in the second of these raids. The Operations Record Book for the 300th (Polish) records the actions of 30/31 May when Cologne was attacked: Operations were ordered with COLOGNE as the target and 15 crews were briefed. 15 Aircraft attacked the primary and all told 11580 4lb incend were dropped. At the briefing the crews were informed that this raid woud be the biggest ever attempted to date. Approaching the target seemed to be a mass of flame and smoke rising to a height of 10,000 feet. ... all captains of aircraft state that the target area was well and truly plastered and described the attack as 'PERFECT'. ... 'Jerry appeared to be disorganised and very little ACk-ACk was encountered, ... On the return journey, the reflection of the flames could be seen when crossing the Dutch coast.' The Operations Record Book records fourteen Wellington Mark IV crews as taking part in the second 1000 bomber raid on Essen on the 1/2nd June. Fojud flew in V-1795 with Malec, Paszkowski, Muszynski, Zaleski and Wyporski, probably as 2nd pilot. The report states: 'Primary identified by river Rhine but target could not be pinpointed owing to poor visibility. Bombs were dropped on fire which was already burning, no bursts being observed. Photo was attempted'. Fojud was attacking Essen again on the 5th/6th and 6/7th in Q-1725 as pilot, 'Bombs were seen to fall in the centre of town, no results were observed, but there was one huge fire in the town. His next flight in Wellington IV, V-1382 on the 8/9th with a crew of Offierski, Skubala, Trzeblatowski, Kwiatkowski and Konieczny was to be his most eventful. A typed account of the events of that night in June 1942 signed by Fojud is included with the archive, he describes the flight home in detail: 'Sergeant Pilot Edmund Fojud, V.M., K.W. I was the pilot of a Wellington -- V. for Victory -- We went to the great raid on Essen. Unfortunately for us, while still over Germany we met a Messerschmit 110 which gave us three longbursts of fire at close range and damaged our aircraft very severely. Our rear gunner was seriously wounded, he had sixteen bullets in his arms and legs and he is still in hospital. It all happened in a few seconds. The intercom between the rear-gunner and the rest of the crew was severed. We had been flying at 15,000 feet, but when we had to take evasive action we lost height and found ourselves at only 8,000 feet, just over the top of the clouds. We were flying on only one engine, as the starboard one had been damaged. A few minutes later the damaged engine caught fire. Bullets had pierced the exhaust pipe and flames were pouring through the hole. They caught the fabric on the wings between the engine and the fuselage and it was all burnt off. It was no joke trying to fly back over the enemy territory with the engine burning and making us a very splendid target. We tried to extinguish the fire by opening and shutting the throttle. I got the engine to work, but it had very little power. I had to stop it because of the fire. Our tail trim was damaged and it stuck in a very inconvenient position. I couldn't turn without getting into a spin. Every time I had to turn, I had to try and make it on the port side because of the damaged starboard engine. I pushed with my legs on the rudder and the second pilot had to pull at the same time with his hands. We were very thankful when at last we found we were over the sea, so that we did not need to worry any more about the enemy defences. It was not easy to fly at all, but at least the danger was less when we got away from the Nazi's A.A. fire. Somehow we managed to reach the English coast, and we succeeded in making a fairly good landing at the first aerodrome we came to. We all felt we had been lucky to get back at all and to be able to land without a bad crash, for it was very difficult to do because of the bad trim of the damaged tail-plane. The undercarriage was also hanging down, and the port wheel tyre had been shot away. The armour-plated door was peppered with bullet holes. I think the airscrew looked worse than anything else. All the blades had bullet-holes, and one was as big as a man's fist. Nothing but the best built aircraft could have made that journey with such damage. I would like to say to you how proud we are of our 'V. for Victory', and how glad we are to have been able to bring it safe home. Description cont'd below...
A COLLECTION OF MEDALS FOR NURSING. Medals for nursing: The British Red Cross Society Medal for War Service 1914-18, on a white ribbon with pin backed suspension. Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps Cape Badge, silver hallmarked for Birmingham 1951, A Territorial Army Nursing Service Cape Badge, miniature with long ribbon on pin mounting, A Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve Cape Badge, silver hallmarked for Birmingham 1915 and a similar smaller award. Five medals.
A LEGION D'HONNEUR AND OTHER AWARDS. A French Legion d'Honneur, 'Republique Francaise 1870' reverse with crossed flags, on wreath suspension, an Iron Cross, first class type with pin back, dated 1914 beneath W and Crown, Eastern Front Medal 41/42 (not subject to return), A Prussian award, a 1914/15 Star named to S4-143972 Pte J. Whitaker A.S.C. and other items.
THREE SPECIAL CONSTABULARY LONG SERVICE MEDALS, GEORGE V, VI AND ELIZABETH II. A George V Special Constabulary Long Service Medal named to Cuthbert C. Stuckey, a George VI example named to William W. Lydford and a Queen Elizabeth II example named to Harold Osborne with detached Long Service 1968 clasp. 3 medals.
A COLLECTION OF WORLD WAR II MEDALS, SOME IN DELIVERY BOXES. A group of five comprising 39/45, Africa and Italy Stars, Defence and War Medals, unnamed as issued, mounted for wear. A group of six comprising 39/45, Africa (with North Africa 1942-43 clasp), Italy and France and Germany Stars, Defence and War Medals, unmounted in postal box of issue addressed to J.W. Ells, 68 Partridge Raod, Yardley, Birmingham, with insert. A Defence Medal in postal box addressed to Mr A.E.B. Le Cras, 58 Ebrington Street, Plymouth. A Defence Medal and War Medal in box of issue, address obscured and a group of four comprising 39/45 and Italy Stars, Defence and War mMedals, unnamed and unmounted. 18 medals.
A COLLECTION OF RUSSIAN, GERMAN AND SIMILAR SECOND WORLD WAR MEDALS. Five Russian medals to include awards for the Capture of Berlin 2nd March 1945, Distinguished Labour, Valiant Labour, 30 Years since Victory and another. Two German medals; A German Eastern Medal 1941/42 for the winter Campaign against Russia and a West Wall medal. (7)
A SECOND WORLD WAR LONG SERVICE GROUP OF FOUR TO AN RAF PRISONER OF WAR. A group of four comprising 1939/45 and Air Crew Europe Stars, War Medal and RAF Long Service and Good Conduct medal named to W/O N.T.W. Harper (563534) RAF, mounted as worn. Neville Thomas William Harper was born on the 12th of March 1913 at Portsmouth on the 30th May 1940 he was reported missing and by the 6th of July he is recorded as a a prisoner at Stalag 357 and Stalag No 1, with prisoner No. 88.
GEORGE V AND ELIZABETH II IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDALS AND OTHERS. A George V Imperial Service Medal named to James Jeffery, an Elizabeth II example in Royal Mint case of issue named to John Henry Lewis De St Aubin, A Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal, a 1935 Jubilee Medal, with bow suspension, in distressed case of issue with miniature and ribbon and a Service Medal of the Order of St John, in case of issue. 5 medals.
A SECOND WORLD WAR AND LATER GROUP OF NINE TO THE ROYAL ARTILLERY. A group of nine comprising 39/45, France and Germany, Africa with 8th Army clasp and Italy Stars, Defence and War Medal with Mentioned in Despatches Oak leaf, General Service 1918 -1962 Medal with Arabian Peninsula clasp named to Major A.H. Watson, R.A., Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Medal and Regular Army Long Service and Good Conduct medal named to Lieut A.H. Watson R.A. With a silver salver engraved 'Presented to Captain A.H. Watson R.A. by all members of 259 HAA Regt R.A. (H.C.) Cinque Ports T.A. in appreciation 1947-51, hallmarked for London, Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company, 27cm wide, and two shields for Cinque Ports and Royal Regiment of Artillery. The Mention in despatches for his work during the Second World War as a forward observer. Major Watson had an interesting war as Montgomerie's adjutant at Alamein and one of the first officers to liberate a concentration camp at the end of the war. With four copy photographs of the recipient, two in uniform, a copy of the presentation certificate for the Coronation medal to 'Captain A.H. Watson R.A. 578 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Regiment RA (TA) and a copy of a letter from Winston Churchill to Officer Commanding 259 HAA Regiment Home Counties Cinque Ports T.A. expressing thanks for a birthday gift.
A GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL WITH MALAYA CLASP AND OTHER RELATED ITEMS TO THE 7TH GURKHAS. A General Service Medal 1918-1962 with Queen Elizabeth II obverse and Malaya Clasp named to 2/Lt E.D. Macleod 7th G.R., name probably officially corrected, with accompanying miniature, an unofficial 7th Gurkha Durbar Day 28th March 2015 Medal in case of issue, a Bigbury Mint 200 years of Gurkhas service medal in case of issue, a composition statue of a Gurkha '7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles 1902 - 1994', 28cm high. A large presentation trophy cup 'The Raub Cup' 'Presented to the officers and men of the second Battalion of the 7th Gurkha Rifles by the officers and Men of the Raub District Malay Police in appreciation of a year spent as Brothers-in-Arms 1951', E.P.N.S. 37cm high, 43cm wide. The 7th Gurkhas Rifle Cup 'Presented to the Officers 7th Gurkha Rifles by Lt-Col J.D.F. Curling OBE 30.6.53, with presentation inscriptions between 1953-1989' hallmarked for Adie Brothers, Birmingham 1952, 27cm high. A silver shooting cup: 'The Company Small Bore Shooting Competition 2nd Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles, Presented by Lt Col J.H. Alford' with presentation inscriptions between 1953 - 1967, hallmarked for Adie Brothers, Birmingham 1950, 17.5cm high. Two plated sauce boats with 7th Gurkha crest and other related items.
A SECOND WORLD WAR PAIR TO THE POLICE AND OTHERS. A second world war pair comprising Defence Medal and Exemplary Police Service Medal named to Inspr George E. Smith, mounted as worn in box of issue, with a collection of Southport Borough Police badges, Masonic badges and others, With a set of three Second World War medals in cardboard box of issue addressed to J.L. Torkington Esq, 73 Motram Road, Hyde.
A CORONATION MEDAL 1935 AND OTHERS. A 1937 Coronation Medal named to Supt. W. Parker Lancashire', in red cardboard case of issue, The Order of St John, engraved to the reverse 'Honorary Serving Brother of the Order of St John, June 1919. James F. Tyson' in case of issue with miniature, A King's Badge for Loyal Service, an ARP, WVS and similar badges.
A BRONZE MEDAL COMMEMORATING THE DEATH OF GEORGE CANNING. Obverse bust of Canning l. with 'Canning' behind the bust, 'A.J. Stothard F.' and 'F.L. Chantrey RA. D.' below, reverse with a standing figure by a column 'Great Men' and the date of Canning's death 1827, 'Pubd. by S. Parker, London'. 62mm. (BHM 1303). George Canning (1770-1827) a Tory politician who was Prime Minister for the last 188 days of his life.
TWO VICTORIAN SCHOOL MEDALS AND OTHERS. Two Maidstone Grammar School award medals presented to Charles Wilfred Pollock Hodsoll for Midsummer 1890 and 1891, 4.4cm in John Pinches cases of issue. C.W.P. Hodsoll appears to have been born in Kent in 1874, he died on the 15th July 1966 in Surrey. A white metal Thames Tunnel medal. A New Betting Rooms, Doncaster 1800 token and six others. 10 items.
A LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL KING'S MEDAL AND OTHERS. 'The King's Medal', a London County Council award to A. Arnett', obverse with bust l. signed E. Ransom, the reverse with 'Awarded by the London County Council for Attendance Conduct and Industry during the year' with 1912-13 clasp, with a similar award for 1911-12 to the same recipient, and two Coronation medals. (4)
AN EDWARDIAN SILVER AND ENAMEL FRATERNITY BADGE. A Silver badge of rank with a central image of a man showing compassion to another beneath a black and white enamelled crest and motto 'Fraternitatem Diligite', hallmarked for London 1903, on a purple neck ribbon, in a Kenning & Son case of issue. With a photograph of an unnamed vicar wearing the medal.
A SILVER JUBILEE COMMEMORATIVE MEDALS AND TWO OTHERS. A large silver commemorative medal for the 1977 Silver Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth II, Royal Mint, in Royal Mint case of issue, 57mm, Eimer 2135m. A Sunday Companion Roll of Honour award by Jenkins of Birmingham, 51mm, in case of issue, and a Balfour Declaration medal. (3).
A COLLECTION OF BRONZE MEDALS COMMEMORATING NAPOLEON AND OTHERS. A bronze medal, Napoleon Empereur by A. Bovy, reverse Memorial de St Helene, 4cm. Marie Rabutin Gayrard, dated 1816 to the reverse, James Fazy by A. Bovy. Aloysius Nazari A Galabiana by L. Eisel. Henrico Magno by Andrieu. Henry Hallam, Historian July 9 1777 - Jan 21 1859 by L.C. Wyon, 6.2cm wide. 6 medals.
A BRONZE AWARD MEDAL FOR THE 1865 DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. Obverse with a winged figure with a bountiful cornucopia,l with a rising sun and depictions of the arts below, the reverse with inscription 'Section XIX A Henderson & Co' the medal by A. Geefs of Brussels, 7.5cm. (Eimer 1577).
A GEORGE IV BRONZE CORONATION MEDAL. The obverse with laureate bust l. within a border of roses, thistles and shamrocks 'Georgius IV Dei Gratia ...', the reverse with the king seated on his throne being crowned by attendant figures of Britannia, Hibernia and Scotia, the medal by Thomason & Jones, possibly engraved by William Wyon, 5.4cm (Eimer 1143)
AN EARLY 20TH CENTURY SILVER HORTICULTURAL MEDAL AND TWO OTHERS. A silver medal awarded by Sparkhill & District Amateur Horticultural Society to R. Holding for Premier Auricula, 18th April 1903, the obverse with a finely worked display of fruit and flowers, hallmarked for 1903, 4.4cm, in Vaughton and Sons case of issue, with a similar Birmingham Chrysanthemum Society silver award from 1900 and a 'best evening school garden' award from 1923. 3 awards, c129.9g.
A LARGE LAUDATORY BRONZE MEDAL FOR LUDWIG MOND. A large bronze medal commemorating the 70th birthday of Ludwig Mond, bearded bust l. within an inscription 'Dr. Ludwig Mond FRS ANNO MDCCCCVIII', reverse with a description of the academic career of Ludwig Mond the 1st Baron Melchett (1839-1909), a successful academic, chemist and manufacturer who founded the Mond Nickel Company in 1900. The medal cast by E.Lanteri. (Eimer 1911), 11.5cm wide.
SILVER CORONATION MEDALS FOR WILIAM AND MARY, QUEEN ANNE AND GEORGE I. A coronation medal by J. Rottier, the obverse with conjoined busts, draped and laureate, r. the reverse with a figure of Jove in the clouds throwing thunder at Phaeton falling from his chariot, dated 1659 to the exurge, 3.2cm (Eimer 312). A Queen Anne silver coronation medal by J. Croker, obverse with bare headed bust l., reverse with a figure of Pallas hurling thunder at a two headed monster, dated 1702 to the exurge, 3.3cm (Eimer 390). A George I silver coronation medal by J.Croker, obverse with laureate armoured bust r. reverse with the King being crowned by Britannia, dated 1714, 3.4cm, pierced with ring for suspension (Eimer 470). (3).
AN UNUSUAL AUSTRALIAN WOMEN'S INDUSTRIES MEDAL AND TWO OTHERS. A silvered medal, central female bust l. within script 'Exhibition of Women's Industries, Sydney 1888', signed Amor below the truncation, the reverse with a Victorian crest for Sydney within 'Patience Work and Gods Grace' 4cm, with attached loop for suspension. A William IV silvered arts award, a central bust of a woman l. within 'Arts and Commerce Promoted' by T. Wyon Jr, reverse engraved 'To Mr W. Gush MDCCCXXXIII For a Copy i Miniature of a Portrait', 4cm, with loop for suspension and a third for an Art Exhibition at the Portman Galleries, 1883, awarded by the Crystoleum Co. to Miss Hatfield for painting on Terra Cotta'. (3)
A WICHESTER COLLEGE QUINCENTENARY MEDAL BY GEORGE FRAMPTON. A large bronze medal, obverse with a robed figure of the Archbishop to the centre, seated on a throne, crozier in his right hand, a model of Winchester cathedral in his lap, 'This medal was struck in commemoration of the five hundredth anniversary', signed G. Frampton below the throne, the reverse with Winchester College amongst clouds and armorial. 7.5cm, in distressed Pinches case of issue. (Eimer 1785). Exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1908, this medal was presented to the Governors and Housemasters of the College.
A COLLECTION OF SIX HISTORIC MEDALS. A Cambridge University Lawn Tennis Club doubles medal awarded to Angus and Young 1926, 5cm wide. A White Metal medal for the Cathedral of St Johns' Newfoundland' by J. Taylor, Birmingham, 5.5cm. A Dublin University Historical Society medal named to J C Mulvaney, with loop for suspension, 52cm wide. And three others. 6 medals.
ADMIRAL HOWE, BATTLE 1st JUNE 1794. A medal by C.H. Kuchler , obverse with a bust of Admiral Howe, r. wearing uniform, signed CHK to the truncation, within legend 'Sic Comes Howe ...' reverse with a naval engagement, Lord Howe's flagship, Queen Charlotte' sinking a French vessel, dated 1st June 1794, 47mm. (Eimer 855).
A FINELY ENGRAVED CIRCULAR SILVER MEDAL 'ISLEWORTH 1799'. A circular silver medallion engraved with an image of a bell above 'Isleworth 1799' within a foliate and bright cut border, the obverse with a finely engraved carnation 'Pro Optimo' (For the best) within a similar borer, with a loop for suspension, hallmarked for London 1776, 5.7cm wide, c 35.2g.
FOUR LATE 19TH AND EARLY 20TH CENTURY HORTICULTURAL AWARDS. A large silver Birmingham Horticultural Society Award named to W& J. Brown, the reverse with floral and vegetable border and vacant centre, 5cm, hallmarked for Birmingham possibly 1913, A silver Atherstone Horticultural Society medal 'Exhibition August 1st 1932, the most successful exhibitor in DIV 1, reverse engraved to W.H. Gisbourne, 4.2cm, hallmarked for Birmingham. A White metal Birmingham & District Amateur Gardeners Association award for Outdoor Chrysanthemums, 1903, 3.2cm and a Silver Small Heath and District Horticultural Society Award 1905, 3.8cm, hallmarked for Birmingham 1903. 4 awards.
A WHITE METAL GREAT EXHIBITION SOUVENIR MEDAL AND THREE OTHERS. A White Metal 1851 souvenir medal, the obverse with conjoined portrait of Victoria and Albert within a wreath, reverse with an image of the Crystal Palace with text below, pierced for suspension, 5cm. A white metal Medal for Queen Victorias Coronation in 1838, pierced for suspension, 5cm. A white metal Charles and John Wesley medal similarly pierced, 3.6cm and a bronze medal For Thomas Coates, portrait by N. Macfail to the obverse and depiction of the Observatory at Paisley on the reverse, 5cm. 4 medals.
THE BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION GOLD MEDAL AWARDED TO DR HENRY NAUNTON DAVIES (1827-1899).The British Medical Association Gold Medal, obverse 'For Distinguished Service' within a laurel wreath and legend 'British Medical Association Medal Instituted July 11th 1877' signed by the wreath 'J.S. & A.B. Wyon Sc,' the reverse with a standing figure of 'J.S. & A.B. Wyon' beneath the figure, and impressed to the rim Henry Naughton Davies, on a deep blue neck ribbon with clasp, the clasp impressed 'Wyon' 'Regent St'. Otherwise unmarked. The case containing a printed slip 'British Medical Association Medal. The first gold medal awarded by the British Medical Association. The recipient was Dr. Henry Naunton Davies, in the year 1877, for conspicuous bravery and skill in connection with the Tyewydd Colliery disaster.' the medal 57mm diameter, 4mm deep, approximately 145 grams. Tests as 22ct or higher. In a distressed red leather covered Wyon case of issue. With Dr Davies pocket watch with presentation inscription engraved to the inner cover 'Presented to H. N. Davies L.R.C.P. M.R.C.S. L.M. Esq CYMMER by the inhabitants of Llantrisant, Ystrad, Llanwomo, Lantwit Vardre and Eglwys Ehan parishes as a token of their esteem and appreciation of his Skilful Medical Services Feby 18th 1861 Gold Watch and Guard Value £40:0:0 Purse containing £100:0:0'. The open faced pocket watch with white enamelled dial signed 'J.D. Williams' with Roman numerals and subsidiary seconds dial, the sides and reverse with engraved decoration, the dust cover engraved 'J.D. Williams Merthyr Tydvill' the chain fusee movement numbered 3444, the case similarly numbered and hallmarked for 18ct gold, Sheffield. The 46cm watch chain also 18ct, approximately 71g. With a bilingual illuminated presentation text with a photograph to the centre of Dr Davies above panels of text in Welsh and English '... On presenting you with an oil painting of yourself ... accompany the gift with a recorded assurance of our high estimate of your personal character and your long and able services professionally and socially to the public of these valleys ...' framed and glazed, 84 x 107cm. The painting referred to presumably being the work that hung for many years in the Cardiff offices of BMA Cymru Wales and was gifted to the National Museum of Wales in 1972. Mining disasters were all too frequent in the Welsh valleys in the 19th Century, the events at Tynewydd are amongst the most well known. When water flooded into the mine from a nearby abandoned workings 14 men were trapped, amongst them a child of 14 years. Five in a relatively easily accessed chamber in which one died during the rescue, the other nine so inaccessible that their rescue was a considerable undertaking. Water pumps acted too slowly, special rescue divers from London could not reach the trapped men so a passage through 113 feet of coal had to be dug to get to the men safely. Working in shifts at considerable risk to themselves the miners tunneled through whilst others made calculations regarding air pressure, water levels and the likely success of the operation. Gas, flooding and air pressure were a constant and very obvious threat to the lives of all underground, but the rescuers persevered and after ten days the men were brought to the surface five of them escaping with their lives. The long suspense of the disaster and the regular updates in the press, the complexity of the operation and the all too apparent bravery of the men underground made the disaster a national concern. This brought those involved reward and much local and national recognition. Dr Davies, a well respected local doctor took control of the medical requirements on this occasion, apparently spending time underground himself, according to family tradition sitting on a low stool wearing his top hat directing those around him. His calmness and abilities are thought to have played a significant part in the recovery of nine of the 14 men alive and for this he was awarded the first ever BMA Gold medal. Far from being his only significant act in the local area he was instrumental in improving the medical provision at mines across the region and was important in promoting health and welfare in an industry that was all too dangerous. The Tynewydd Mining Disaster had a significant impact on the world of awards and medals as it was the first occasion on which the Albert Medal was awarded for acts of bravery on land, previously it had only been available for acts of bravery at sea. The disaster so captured the concern of the Queen and Nation that 25 Albert Medals were awarded on this occasion of which 4 were 1st class awards. Only 45 gold and 290 land medals of this type were ever issued. Professional men who took part in the events in 1877 were not included in the award of Albert Medals which must have played a part in prompting the BMA to institute their own award. Dr Henry Naunton Davies being the first ever recipient of the award.
PETER CARL FABERGE (Russia, 1846 - Switzerland, 1920).Wine decanter.Silver and terracotta.Missing a soldering point on the lid.With contrasts.With Raquel Meller inscription.Measurements: 24 x 12 x 6 cm.A beautiful chiselled silver structure partially envelops this decanter for pouring wine. It is a creation of the illustrious workshop of the jeweller Fabergé with floral decorations in relief, raised on a highly decorative rocaille base. It has a stylised handle with scrolls. Its centre has a pavilion with the inscription 'Raquel Meller', which indicates that it may have been a gift from an aficionado to the famous Spanish singer, cupletista and film actress.The Russian jeweller Peter Carl Fabergé is considered one of the world's foremost goldsmiths, and is especially known for his Easter eggs commissioned by Tsar Alexander III and later by his son, Nicholas II. Born in St. Petersburg, Fabergé was trained in the family jewellery workshop, through the Grand Tour of Europe from 1864 onwards and possibly at the School of Arts and Crafts in Dresden. On his return from his trip he was mentored by Hiskias Pendin, the master goldsmith in his father's firm, with whom he catalogued and restored objects at the Hermitage during the 1870s. After Pendin's death in 1882 Fabergé took over the management of the workshop, soon achieving an enormous reputation through official exhibitions such as the Pan-Russian Exhibition in Moscow in 1882, where he won the gold medal and the St. Stanislaus medal. The Tsar's admiration for his work began just at this time, and Fabergé soon became the favourite jeweller of the Russian imperial court. Just three years later, in 1885, Alexander III appointed Fabergé as the official jeweller to the imperial household. In addition to making the famous Easter eggs between 1887 and 1917, Fabergé produced a wide range of items, from tableware to jewellery, and in 1900 he represented Russia at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, where he was unable to compete because he was on the jury. However, the firm was forced to close with the outbreak of the October Revolution, which was nationalised by the Bolsheviks. Fabergé's works are now housed in leading museums around the world, including the Metropolitan Museum in New York and the Royal Collection in London.
A National Rifle Association 1860 medal, two City of Edinburgh and Midlothian Rifle Association Caledonian Challenge Shield medals together with a Victorian Anniversary of the Volunteer Movement 1881 medal, and an International Snider March won by Scotland 1874 badge etc Condition Report:Available upon request
A collection of WW2 British military medals, The 1939-1945 Star, The Africa Star, The Burma Star, The Atlantic Star, The 1939-1945 medal and a For Good Service and Good Conduct medal awarded to K.56490 F. W. Coombs CH. STO. H.M.S. Jackal, a North Africa 1942-43 medal bar and a Pacific medal bar Condition Report:Available upon request
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