Summary

An un-issued example of the large bronze medal for saving life, issued by Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for Saving Life, Great Britain, 1774-1869.

The Royal Humane Society dates back to 1774 when it was founded in London by two doctors: William Hawes and Thomas Cogan. The original aim was to save people from drowning by resuscitation - then a controversial new medical technique.
Early monetary rewards were gradually replaced by medals and certificates. These are now awarded to people who've put their own lives at risk to save or attempt to save someone else.

Physical Description

A bronze medal (51 mm diameter). The obverse features a cherub advancing right, naked except for flowing cape, blowing on a burnt-out torch which is held in right hand, left hand protects top of torch from wind that blows the cape; around, LATEAT SCINTILLVLA FORSAN (Translation - perhaps a tiny spark is concealed); in exergue, SOC. LOND. IN RESUSCITAT INTERMORTUORUM INSTIT. MDCCLXXIV (Translation - The London Society for the resuscitation of those almost dead, instituted 1774). The reverse has an oak wreath with space for inscription within; around outside wreath, HOC PRETIVM CIVE SERVATO TVLIT (Translation - he has obtained this award for saving the life of a citizen). The edge is engraved: GO AND DO THOU LIKEWISE.

Obverse Description

A cherub advancing right, naked except for flowing cape, blowing on a burnt-out torch which is held in right hand, left hand protects top of torch from wind that blows the cape; around, LATEAT SCINTILLVLA FORSAN (Translation - perhaps a tiny spark is concealed); in exergue, SOC. LOND. IN RESUSCITAT INTERMORTUORUM INSTIT. MDCCLXXIV (Translation - The London Society for the resuscitation of those almost dead, instituted 1774).

Reverse Description

The reverse has an oak wreath with area inside for inscription (un-enscribed); around outside wreath, HOC PRETIVM CIVE SERVATO TVLIT (Translation - he has obtained this award for saving the life of a citizen).

Edge Description

Plain

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