Life Saving Awards from the Collection of John Wilson

Documents awarded to George Smoker, a Fireman at Messrs. Penn’s Factory, Greenwich

Royal Society for the Protection of Life from Fire Medal, Award Certificate, illuminated document giving details of the rescue: ‘The Committee award to Mr George Smoker, Fireman at Messrs Penn’s Factory, Greenwich, the Society’s Silver Medal with the sum of Three Guineas in testimony to the intrepid and persevering exertions displayed by him in saving life on the occasion of the Fire on the premises of Mr J. Chesterfield. Linen Draper 22 Blackheath Hill, Greenwich on the 13th July 1880. The fire which originated in the Shop spread with much rapidity rendering it a matter of the greatest difficulty for those who were in the lower part of the house to escape. George Smoker hearing that a Child was in the house ascended to the first floor window and making his way to the back rooms brought out a Boy aged 3 years, hearing that a little Girl was still in the House he returned and after groping about for some time brought out in an insensible state Edith Chesterfield aged 7 years, all approach to the rooms by means of the staircase was cut off by the flames and the rescue of the two Children was only effected at great personal danger to George Smoker whose praiseworthy conduct on the occasion is testified to by many of the inhabitants of the neighbourhood who were present at the fire. Case 13015.’, the document in a glazed frame, 55 x 42cm.

Private Testimonial, an attractive illuminated document: ‘This Testimonial together with a Lever Watch and Purse of Money having been subscribed for by One Hundred and Twenty Two inhabitants of Greenwich and its vicinity was Presented to Mr George Smoker by the undermentioned Committee on August 30th 1880 for his Gallant and Praiseworthy Conduct in rescuing two children from a Fire at Mr Chesterfields, Blackheath Hill, Greenwich.’, the document in a glazed frame, 61.5 x 48.5cm.

Portrait Photograph, of the recipient, in glazed frame, 63 x 53cm., frames a little worn, documents in very good condition (3) £200-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Life Saving Awards from the Collection of John Wilson.

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R.S.P.L.F. Case 13,015. George Smoker, born in High Halstow, Kent, was was awarded the Society’s Silver Medal (not with lot), £3.3.0 (not with lot) and Award Certificate by the Quarterly General Meeting on 28 January 1881.

With a Women’s Land Army Certificate and Women’s Land Army Release Certificate to Ella Eileen Horton; together with a W.L.A. Christmas Card from Eillen to her parents. The first certificate is in its envelope addressed to ‘Miss E. Horton, 9, June Close, The Mount, Coulsdon, Surrey’. Ella Horton may possibly be related to George Smoker; her papers came from the same source as the certificates and portrait photograph. With copied research.