Morton & Eden Ltd.
Lot 895
*A Fine Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in silver, with presentation Pocket Watch, awarded to Seaman Charles William Gordon of the Cunard Royal Mail steamship Servia, for attempting to save a life at sea just beyond the River Mersey on 12 June 1886. As bridge look-out, Gordon had seen his shipmate fall overboard, and immediately dived from a height of 45 feet into the water in his sadly unsuccessful attempt, comprising: Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, V.R., large silver issue (C. W. Gordon, of the S.S. “Servia” of Liverpool, 12th June 1886); fitted with an ornate silver scroll suspension for wear, in fitted maroon case of issue; A presentation Pocket Watch, with silver case, by ‘A.W. Co., Waltham’, engraved inscription on inside reads, ‘Presented by the Passengers of the S.S. Servia to Charles William Gordon for his Gallant Attempt to Save the Life of Seaman Houston on June 12th 1886’, matching inscription on outside of case now faint; with a base metal chain and original leather attachment, reverse edge bruise to medal and small nicks, good very fine, glass from watch face missing, some damage to watch face, condition of internal workings unknown, outer case worn (2). ‘For his gallant conduct in attempting to save the life of W. Houston, a fellow seaman, who had fallen overboard from the Cunard Royal Mail steamship Servia, at sea on 12 of June last. Gordon who had jumped into the sea from the starboard lookout in order to save his shipmate was in very exhausted condition when picked up by the ship’s boat, and remained under the doctor’s care for several days.’ (The Sea Gallantry Medal, pg.196, by R. J. Scarlett, refers).
