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Auction: 347 - The Numismatic Collector's Series Sale
Lot: 55

Great Britain. Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea. Victoria. Silver, 58mm. By B. Wyon. Awarded to: WILLIAM SAFFERY - 7TH MARCH 1876.

The steam transport 'Arabia' was anchored off Penang on March 7, 1876. The night was squally with rain and a floodtide running. Afadjeo Peetoo, "a native butler", fell overboard into the shark-infested waters, rendered insensible from striking his head against the railing. He would have drowned or have been devoured in the time necessary to launch a boat had not Chief Steward William Saffery jumped in after him, keeping Peetoo's head above water until both were rescued by the ship's cutter.

In original case. Once polished as is common for these medals. EF-AU.

Sold for
$500