Reward for a Naval Rescue

CNG 96, Lot: 1459. Estimate $5000. Sold for $5500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

UNITED STATES. AV Medal (51mm, 52.08 g, 12h). Presented to Captain A(ldert) Potjer of the SS Potsdam by the Life Saving Benevolent Association of New York in Recognition of His Rescue of the Officers and Crew of the Bark Biskap Brun, 25 June 1902. By George H. Lovett. Unmarked, but struck by Tiffany & Co. Dually dated 29 March 1849 and June 25, 1902. LIFE SAVING BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION OF NEW YORK, INCD 28TH MARCH,/1849 in two lines in exergue, scene of the lifeboat rescue of a sailing ship being forced aground in a violent storm at sea / VITA FELICIBUS AUSIS SERVATA (a life by by fortunate daring saved), Presented to/Captain A. Potjer/of S.S. Potsdam in recognition/of his humanity and seamanship/in rescuing the Officers and/Crew of the foundering/Bark “Biskop Brun”/in a high cross sea, Mid-/Atlantic Ocean/June 25, 1902. in ten lines within oak wreath. Cf. ANS Inv. 1956.136.20 and 0000.999.18208 (for similar medals in silver); The Weekly Northwestern Miller 54 (1 October 1902), p. 687 (for reference to this medal); The New York Times (30 June 1902), p. 1 (for account of rescue); The Churchman 74 (4 December 1897), p. 743 (for reference to manufacture). Choice EF, number of minor hairlines, light scratches in fields. Photocopy of New York Times article included with lot.