General Auction Including Antiques, Collectables, Militaria, Nautical, Gold & Silver (14% Buyers Commission)
Lot 169:
Description
This lot consists of a Victorian-era Royal Humane Society silver medal and an associated lifesaving-themed medallion. The primary silver medal features the society standard obverse design depicting a cherub with a torch attempting to revive a spark, symbolizing the resuscitation of life. The upper edge is inscribed with the Latin motto LATEAT SCINTILLULA FORSAN, while the exergue contains the text SOC LOND IN RESUSCITAT INTERMORTUORUM INSTIT MDCCLXXIV. The medal is suspended from a dark blue silk ribbon by a scrolled silver swivel mount. Included with the medal is a smaller circular gold-toned medallion set within a white metal scrolled frame, featuring a male figure in a swimming or rescue pose. The items are housed in their original fitted presentation case made of wood covered in dark brown leather. The lid is gold-tooled with the inscription PRESENTED BY THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY surmounted by a crown. The interior is lined with deep blue velvet and cream silk. A circular maker stamp on the interior silk lid identifies the producer as Harrington, Engravers to the Queen, 23 Garrick St, St Martins Lane, London.
Condition report:
The silver medal exhibits heavy natural tarnish and toning. The original silk ribbon shows significant fraying, structural weakness, and wear. The leather-covered presentation case shows external scuffing and wear, particularly concentrated at the edges and hinges. The interior silk and velvet linings show age-related discolouration and light staining but remain structurally intact.
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