A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards

Mercantile Marine Service Association Medal, silver, reverse inscribed, ‘Presented to Capt. Henry Armstrong for Gallantly Rescuing Crew of French Brigatine (sic) “Cygne” November 1879’, in case, nearly extremely fine £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine Collection of Life Saving Awards.

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‘The French brigantine Cygne (Captain Emile Belin), was to the westward of Bermuda ... when she encountered heavy storms on 20th November 1879. She battled with the weather for a few days but at six o’clock in the evening, when lying under foretopsail on the starboard tack, a heavy sea carried away the bowsprit and foremast. The ship was thrown upon her end beams and the ten man crew laboured desperately to cut the wreckage free and keep the ship afloat. However, there was a foot of water in the hold and by the 22nd it was apparent that she would soon sink. The Cygne put up a flag of distress when they spotted a passing steamer and this was soon seen as the steamer (Illyrian) immediately altered course to bear down on the wreck from the windward side. A life boat was sent out in charge of two officers, Henry Kayzar and Martin Frampton, with a crew of nine men, who, in spite of the dangerous sea then running, safely transported the Cygne’s crew back to the Illyrian. During the return journey the life boat filled with water and was battered against the steamer’s side.’ (ref. The Awards for Gallantry of the Mercantile Marine Service Association, by John Wilson, L.S.A.R.S. Journal, No. 31).

For the rescue the Association awarded their Silver Medal to Captain Henry Armstrong and officers Henry Kayzar and Martin Frampton of the Illyrian.

With one coloured and framed portrait photograph and two original sepia photographs of the recipient.