Summary

Shipwreck relief medal 1879 AD
Mint: Sydney
Other Details: The National Shipwreck Relief Society of New South Wales (later the Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of New South Wales) was founded in 1877 'for the relief of the widows, orphans and others dependent upon men lost in the marine service of our coast, or elsewhere, such relief to be distributed at the discretion of the Committee'. In 1902 it became the Royal Shipwreck Relief & Humane Society of New South Wales, and in 1968 it was re-named the Royal Humane Society of New South Wales.
The medal was designed by JW Sayer in 1878, when he was living in Sydney, and first minted in 1879.

Physical Description

An un-issued bronze award medal (32 mm diameter) featuring a scene of rescue from a sinking sailing ship and with space on the reverse for engraving details of an award.

Obverse Description

A sailor wearing early life-jacket examins a ship-wrecked man who has been cassed ashore holding a piece of wreckage. Behind an angel consoles a woman weeping and holding a child while crowning the sailor with a wreath. In the background, a sailing ship sinking, a boat being rowed to shore and a lighthouse. Around on broad rim, SUNT LACRYMAE RERUM SUNT ET SUA PRAEMIA LAUDI.

Reverse Description

Around space for engraving details of an award, on a lifebuoy, NATIONAL SHIPWRECK RELIEF SOCIETY OF N.S.W.

Edge Description

Plain

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