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Auction: 4014 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 322

A Rare and Attractive Lifesaving Award For Gallantry at the Wreck of the Paddle Steamer Chusan, silver, 102mm x 50mm, view of the Wreck engraved on obverse, the reverse engraved 'Subscribers Medal Presented to John Crawford For Heroic Efforts in Saving Life at the Wreck of the "Chusan" in Ardrossan Harbour 21st Octr. 1874', with anchor and life-belt suspension, maker's mark (T.R. & S.), nearly extremely fine Estimate £ 400-600 The Paddle Steamer Chusan, newly completed for the Shanghi Steam Navigation Company, left Glasgow Harbour on her maiden voyage 10.10.1874, carrying 51 people. Off Waterford the vessel developed mechanical trouble and put into the Clyde for repairs. On the return journey the Chusan ran into a violent storm and made Ardrossan Harbour for shelter. On Wednesday 21st at 8 o'clock in the morning, just outside the harbour, the ship turned broadside to the sea, her engines failed to reverse and her bows could not be brought round - the Chusan struck the Crinan Rock 50 yards from the Pier. The full force of the wind caught the high superstructure and paddle housing and broke the vessel in two. Seventeen of the crew were drowned.

Sold for
£1,600