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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 205

(x) The Great War M.C. group of three awarded to Lieutenant S. M. Gluckstein, Royal Artillery

Military Cross, G.V.R., the reverse finely engraved 'S. M. Gluckstein. R.F.A. Sept. 26th 1917.', in its case of issue; British War and Victory Medals (Lieut. S. M. Gluckstein.), in named box of issue, extremely fine, together with his corresponding miniature dress medals, these mounted and cased by Spink & Son (6)

M.C. London Gazette 26 November 1917. The citation followed on 6 April 1918:

'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty during a severe air raid, when three fires were caused on the docks by the explosion of
bombs. He was in a dug-out, but at once proceeded with another officer while bombs were falling to extinguish the fires.'

Samuel Montague Gluckstein was born on 28 October 1884 in London, the son of Montague and Matilda Gluckstein, who were cigar manufacturers. The family then formed Salmon & Gluckstein, who would become the world's largest retail tobacconist, being acquired by Imperial Tobacco in 1902.

Young Gluckstein was educated at the City of London School and from a young age took a keen interest in motor engines. Elected an Associate of the Institution of Automobile Engineers in 1910, he became a Director of J. Lyons and Co., besides several other directorships. Unfortunately, his health had always been an issue, despite this Gluckstein was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant and served in France from May 1916, being advanced Lieutenant before War's end. At some point it is understood he returned home for an operation to attempt to treat his ill-health. Still gravely ill, he returned to earn his decoration.

Keen on prison reform, Gluckstein sat on the Wormwood Scrubbs Prison Committee. Worshiping at the Liberal Jewish Synagogue, St Johns Wood, he died on 19 August 1928.

See British Jews in the Great War for further details.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£700 to £900

Starting price
£550