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Auction: 9024 - The Property of a Gentleman Orders, Decorations and Campaign Medals
Lot: 757

Metropolitan Fire Brigade Medal for Bravery, 1st type, silver (William Gordon.), edge bruising, nearly very fine, scarce Estimate £ 500-600 ´´William Gordon, a fourth class fireman, and Thomas Stoneham, a third class fireman, were on duty with a Hose-cart and Fire-Escape in Goswell Road, on the evening of 28 November 1883, when they were called to a fire at a shop in Fann Street. Gordon at once proceeded thither with the Fire-Escape, followed by Stoneham with the Hose-cart, and on arriving at the fire they found the lower part of the house well alight. The firemen were greatly hampered in their movements by the crowd, but as quickly as possible the Escape was pitched at the second floor window at which a woman was seen. Gordon ascended the Escape, followed by Stoneman, and the woman handed out a child who was put in the shoot of the Escape and assisted down. Gordon then had to get into the room to rescue the woman, who had fallen back, and he picked her up and passed her down the shoot of the Escape; but before he could get down himself he was overcome by the intense heat, and fell back unconscious. Stoneman, who was close behind, caught him as he was falling and brought him down the Escape. Gordon was burned on both hands, and his face was scorched; and Stoneman´´s right hand was blistered.´´ (Minutes of the Fire Brigade Committee Meeting, 11.12.1883, refers). Fann Street is located in the Aldersgate, E.C.1 (now Barbican) area of London. One of only 54 silver medals awarded 1886-1920.

Sold for
£520