| Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd > Auction 134 | Auction date: 21 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 3018 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: World, includes USA, Brevet Medal; Philippine Campaign Medal 1899-1903 (type 2); Mexican Service Medal 1911-1917; Specially Meritorious Medal 1898; R.M.S. Carpathia/S.S. Titanic Medal (2, one in silver for junior officers and one in bronze for crew) (all USA medals appear to be replicas); U.S. Army Small Ships gilt and enamel badge (17x20mm) plain, flat reverse; Brevet Medal riband; Presidential Unit Citation bar; joined bar of 3 unit citations, USA Meritorious Unit Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation, and Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation; also Germany, SS Long Service award II Class for 12 Years (replica); Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal (3, one without ribbon and two with centrepiece attached by blue tack). Very good - uncirculated. (16) Ex Warwick G. Cary Collection. Estimate: 200 AUD |
Match 1:
| Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd > Auction 134 | Auction date: 21 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 2687 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: R.M.S. "Carpathia"/S.S. "Titanic" Medal, In Recognition Of Gallant & Heroic Service, From The Survivors Of The S.S. "Titanic", 1912, in bronze, unnamed as issued; I.M.O (In Memory Of) Titanic souvenir medal in gold and enamel, reverse inscribed 'April 15th 1912'; also, The Royal Life Saving Society Award of Merit in silver, reverse inscribed 'J. Watt. 1933'; B.A.A.A. (Barrow Amateur Athletic Association) prize medal in voided silver and gold, ring top with ornate pin-back suspender, obverse inscribed 'Swimming Race', reverse inscribed '1st Prize/B.A.A.A./Aquatic Sports/Aug.6th/1900'; also commemorative medal, Loss of the S.S.Titanic, April 15.1912, uniface, in bronze (51mm) (Eimer 1929; MH 1928, 716), by Spicer-Simpson. The last with digs on reverse, otherwise very fine, the rest extremely fine. (5) Loss of the S.S. Titanic medal was privately commissioned by survivors of the Titanic, Margaret Brown and Dennis Telluride. It features the right facing bust of Captain Rostron of R.M.S. Carpathia. Only 500 medals were struck in bronze and they are very scarce. Ex The D.Featherstone/L.McNaught Collection and Noble Numismatics Sale 124 (lot 3619). The British passenger ship, S.S. Titanic was the luxurious and supposedly publicised as practically unsinkable liner which sank after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic off the coast of Newfoundland on its maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City, USA. This disaster led to the deaths of over 1,500 passengers and crew. The event has been the subject of 18 movies and numerous television features between 1912 up to 2018 with perhaps the most exciting being that made in 1997 simply titled 'Titanic', made by James Cameron and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslett. Arthur Henry Rostron (1869-1940) was captain of the Cunard Line's R.M.S. Carpathia when a distress signal was received from the White Star liner S.S. Titanic on 15 April 1912. The Titanic had struck an iceberg and was sinking rapidly. Immediately Captain Rostron ordered his ship to speed to aid the Titanic. This was a huge risk because his ship was racing through icy waters at night but he knew what was at stake with a large passenger liner sinking in freezing water in the middle of the Atlantic. It took 3 1/ 2 hours to reach the Titanic's radioed position and during that time his orders and preparation would later prove to have saved lives. His crew prepared blankets, food and drinks and subsequently rescued hundreds of survivors from the freezing waters. Captain Rostron was honored with the Congressional Gold Medal, the Thanks of Congress, the American Cross of Honor, and medals by the Liverpool and New York Shipwreck Societies. He would eventually rise to the position of Commodore of the Cunard Line and also served as a British Naval Officer during WWI. J.Watt was born in Barrow on the west coast of Lancashire, England in 1889. At the age of 11 he proved himself to be a good swimmer when he gained first place in an event at the Aquatic Sports staged by the Barrow Amateur Athletic Association in August 1900. He joined the Merchant Navy, signing on with the Liverpool based Cunard Line where he served as a waiter. On 7 February 1912 he transferred from the S.S. Bohemian to the R.M.S. Carpathia. He was still with the Carpathia two months later when, on 12 April 1912, the S.S. Titanic sank and the captain, officers and crew of the Carpathia rescued 705 people from the Titanic's complement of 2,340. After landing the survivors at New York, USA on 18 April 1912 the Carpathia continued on its way. The next time the Carpathia stopped at New York was on 29 May 1912 at which time the Titanic Survivors' Committee presented medals to the captain, officers and crew who had been on the Carpathia at the time of Titanic's sinking and the subsequent rescue. J.Watt was one of those so honoured. The medals were struck in gold, silver and bronze and awarded according to rank, thus J.Watt was a recipient of a bronze medal. Watt discharged from service with the Carpathia on 1 January 1913 in Liverpool, England. In 1933 at the age of 44 he received the Royal Life Saving Society Award of Merit Medal for aquatic life saving proficiency. With research including a video titled 'A Night to Remember', a 1958 movie staring Kenneth More; a book of the same title by Walter Lord; booklet titled 'Women and Children First, Wrecks, Rescues, Rewards and Recipients' by Jack Boddington; Titanic crew list; Carpathia crew list; various photos, postcards, and newspaper cuttings. Estimate: 10000 AUD |  |
Match 2:
| Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd > Auction 134 | Auction date: 21 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 3003 Price realized: Unsold | |
| Lot description: USA, Air Force group of eight for service in 'Top Secret' postings, includes Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with silver oak leaf cluster (equals 5 awards); Joint Service Commendation Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters; Vietnam Service Medal; National Defense Service Medal; South Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 clasp. Robert J.Rutan, II on fourth medal and R.J.Rutan II on fifth medal, all other medals unnamed as issued. The named medals engraved. Very fine - extremely fine. (8) Together with bestowal certificates and citations for Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, another for 3rd and 4th oak leaf clusters, and another for 5th oak leaf cluster, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, another for 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, and another for 2nd Oak Leaf Cluster; Certificate in Recognition and Appreciation for Your Performance, Dedication, and Service to the 6944th Security Wing; Language Training Report - qualified as Hebrew Interpreter 18 Sept 1973 and on 21 September 1973 named to the Commandant's List for his superior performance of 96%; Defense Language Institute, East Coast Branch, Certificate of Achievement for outstanding scholastic achievement as a student of Hebrew, dated 21 September 1973; Certificate of Training for USAF First Sergeant Academy 30 June 1978; Diploma issued at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi; Brotherhood Through Sports Certificate, event held in Okinawa, Japan 30 March - 3 April 1979; Certificate of Retirement for Master Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II dated 1 August 1980; Certificate of Appreciation to Margaret I. Rutin on the retirement of her husband from active duty dated 1 August 1980. Distinguished Flying Cross: Technical Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II distinguished himself by extra-ordinary achievement on 20 December 1970, while participating in aerial flight as a Analyst/Reporter over Southeast Asia while assigned to the 6990th Security Squadron. On that date, Technical Sergeant Rutan demonstrated a high degree of professional ability in the repair and operation of a highly technical piece of equipment making a direct contribution to the successful conclusion of a Southeast mission having high national interest. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Technical Sergeant Rutan reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Air Medal: Staff Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II, distinguished himself by meritorious achievement while participating in sustained aerial flight with the 6990 Security Squadron, United States Air Force Security Service, from 23 December 1967 to 10 April 1968. During this period, the airmanship and courage exhibited by Sergeant Rutan in the successful accomplishment of these important missions, under extremely hazardous conditions, demonstrated his outstanding proficiency and steadfast devotion to duty. The professional ability and outstanding aerial accomplishments of Sergeant Rutan reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Also awarded five oak leaf clusters. Joint Service Commendation Medal: Staff Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II, AF18594845, United States Air Force, distinguished himself by meritorious service during the period May 1965 to September 1966 while serving as a member of the Joint Sobe Processing Center. Serving as an analyst in an area of critical national concern, Sergeant Rutan demonstrated outstanding qualities of initiative, foresight, thoroughness, and ingenuity. Through his outstanding analytical techniques and constant diligence, he made significant contributions toward the mission of his organization and to the National Defense effort. Sergeant Rutan's exemplary performance and devotion to duty reflect most favourably upon himself, the United States Air Force, the National Security Agency, and the Department of Defense. Air Force Commendation Medal: Technical Sergeant Robert J.Rutan II distinguished himself by outstanding achievement while assigned to the 6990 Security Squadron, United States Air Force Security Service. His professional skill and initiative on 12 December 1970, aided immeasurably in identifying problems associated with his assigned duties and in implementing procedures and techniques to solve these problems. His energetic application of job knowledge played a significant role in contributing to the effectiveness and success of the United States Air Force mission. The distinctive accomplishments of Sergeant Rutan reflect credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Also awarded two oak leaf clusters. Master Sergeant Robert J. 'Bob' Rutan, served 1960-1980; 71-73 Thailand; 73-74 Lang School in DC; 74-77 6916th; 77-80 6990th (see note) First Sgt; also served in Omaha and in Greece with 6916th Security Squadron in Athens; Died 1987; the Rutan family had a military service history as 'Bob' Rutan's father, Robert Rutan retired as a Navy Yeoman Senior Chief Petty Officer, one of his sons was Robert Rutan III who retired as a Coast Guard Machinist Chief Petty Officer, another son was Russell Rutan who retired as an Air Force Major, and yet another son was Ronald James Rutan whose last known posting was as Commander at the Navy Yard in Washington DC. Note: 6990th Security Squadron directly supported RC-135 Combat Apple operations in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War and also supported C-130 operations at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, Vietnam and Korat Royal Air Base, Thailand. With a considerable amount of research and some photographs. Estimate: 1000 AUD |  |
Match 3:
| Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd > Auction 134 | Auction date: 21 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 2777 Price realized: 1,000 AUD (Approx. 656 USD / 601 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Trio: Queen's South Africa Medal 1899 (type 2 reverse with very faint ghost dates), - four clasps - Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State, Transvaal; King's South Africa Medal 1902, - two clasps - South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; Coronation Medal 1902 in silver. 269 Cpl R.Payne , N.S.W.Bushmen on first medal, much of naming on second medal erased, details noted 4??5 Pte J.???p. Gordo? Hi?hrs, last medal unnamed as issued. The named medals impressed. Court mounted, spotting on first two medals and surface marks on last medal, otherwise fine - good very fine. The first and third medals ex Noble Numismatics Sale 123 (lot 3634). Together with British Transvaal War, Success to Australian Imperl. Bushmen medalet, 1899-1900, in bronze (23mm) (C.1899-1900/15); book titled Steinaecker's Horsemen, South Africa 1899 - 1903, by William (Bill) Woolmore, published by South African Country Life, Barberton, South Africa, 2006, hardcover with dust jacket, 352pp with b&w photos and maps. Robert Payne, horse driver and bushman, born 02Nov1868 at Liverpool, UK (Australia stated on 1901 attestation form); Embarked London for Qld and arrived Brisbane 02May1889; Enlisted for service in South Africa and Emb.23Apr1900 from Sydney, NSW with A Coy NSW Imperial Bushmen; served in ops in Rhodesia, Transvaal, Orange River Colony and Cape Colony; RTA and Disemb.17Jul1901 at Sydney, NSW and later discharged; Enl.26Nov1901 in Durban, Sth Africa in Steinaecker's Horse; Trooper No.1573 (Australian) Robert Payne was one of the 12 man contingent of Steinaecker's Horse to attend and ride in the 1902 Coronation parade; trf to South African Constabulary at Komati Port 03Jan1903; his QSA was issued from the NSW Imperial Bushmen's roll and his KSA was issued from the Steinaecker's Horsemen roll. With research by Mostly Unsung, medal rolls of NSW Imperial Bushmen and Steinaecker's Horse as well as the book, Steinaecker's Horsemen. Estimate: 1000 AUD |  |
Match 4:
| Spink > Auction 392 | Auction date: 14 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 204 Price realized: 35,000 USD (Approx. 31,976 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: Edward VIII (1936), Winchester College, The King's Gold Prize Medal, 1936, awarded to Christopher Ivan William Seton-Watson MC*, by Thomas Humphrey Paget and Bertram Wyon, EDWARDVS VIII REX ET IMPERATOR HONOREM PROPONIT, 'classical' bare head left, rev. the tomb of William of Wykeham, ETIAM SEPULTI VIVIT FAMA WYKEHAMI OB MCCCCIV in three lines in exergue [\Even buried the fame of Wykeham lives, died 1404"], 49mm., 86.35g., [Unhallmarked, Spink XRF: 18ct. Gold, London (Royal Mint)], struck retrospectively on 2 March 1937, edge largely plain but inscribed upwards C. I. W. SETON-WATSON. 1936. in New Roman capitalised script 9 and 4 o'clock (BHM - [cf. 4383/3720]; Eimer - [cf. 1240]; Jeremy Cheek, 'Royal Prize Medals', BNJ, 2018, pp. 175-188), faintly hairlined and lightly wiped in otherwise lustrous, original fields, an unfortunate but largely imperceptible scratch above Wykeham, otherwise extremely fine and much as issued, OF NATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE, as a 'one-year type' of which only two examples were struck off in gold for English and Latin Speech at Winchester College, the oldest continuously operating patron of an annual Royal Prize Medal, and whose unique obverse legend: 'Edward VIII, The King and Emperor Proposes this Honour' elevates this prestigious award to truly exalted numismatic heights especially when viewed alongside the approved 'Coin Portrait' in a format larger even than his legendary Pattern Five-Pounds, and critically struck in gold, by and housed in, the Royal Mint official case of issue with the stunning and seldom-encountered Edward VIII Cypher in gold-letter Provenance The Estate of Christopher Ivan William Seton-Watson MC and Bar (1918-2007). Christopher was born 6 August 1918, the younger son of Robert William and Marion Esther Seton-Watson. He was baptised at St Margaret's (Westminster) on 7 October that same year. Prior to education, he resided at No. 1 Buckingham Street, Buckingham Gate, London. His father, often writing under the pseudonym 'Scotus Viator' from here, proved a troublesome thorn in the side of the British Government for his outspoken beliefs on a federal solution to Austro-Hungary. Conscripted into the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1917, his allies soon rescued him to the Intelligence Bureau of the War Cabinet and the Enemy Propaganda Department. It was during this posting that Marion would fall pregnant and Christopher would be born. Whilst his second son was still an infant, Robert journeyed to Paris on his own diplomatic mission for the Peace Conference of July 1919. He continued to rile European officials with his jibe about the 'pygmies of Paris', but equally sought the renewal of friendships with ministers of the new state of Czechoslovakia. His allies Tomáš Masaryk would become the first premier; and Edvard Beneš its Foreign Minister. Unsurprisingly Seton-Watson Senior would prove instrumental in the establishing the post-war frontiers of Yugoslavia and Italy. Robert separately established the School of Slavonic Studies and from 1922 held its post as the first Masaryk Chair of the Faculty. Following the Wall Street Crash of 1929, Robert devoted his time to academic teachings; although was reportedly unpunctual, untidy, and too preoccupied with other matters". Unsurprisingly, Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's later policy of appeasement to Nazi Germany about the subject of Czechoslovakia, found in Seton-Watson one of his governments most pointed critics. This lead to his publication of "Britain in Europe: 1789-1914 - A Survey of Foreign Policy, 1937, in which he argued for the strengthening of the enforcement role of the League of Nations as a 'united European front against the disturbers of the peace'; in short to be an active deterrent against the 'inverted Bolshevism of Italy' and naked aggression of Germany. Following the Second World War, Seton-Watson lamented the loss of the former Easter blocs new-found democratic freedoms, retiring to the Isle of Skye where he died in 1951. With the pursuit of geo-political and military history firmly embedded within the traditions of this family, it is unsurprising to see first Hugh (born 1916), and then Christopher follow in their father's footsteps. Educated at Horris Hill, Christopher became a scholar of Winchester College in 1931. In the Summer of 1936, Christopher would receive this prestigous King's Gold Prize Medal for Latin Verse; and subsequently serve as Head Boy, or 'Aule Prae' until he left the school the following year. His academic record was excellent - having further distinguished himself in History and Latin Speech; a School Exhibition; and as the recipient of the main Classical Prize for an Old Wykehamist - the Goddard Scholarship. The following year, Christopher commenced his Bachelor degree at New College, Oxford with the study of Classics and PPE, and helpfully where his elder brother Hugh was already working as a lecturer. Also revealed on the 1939 Census is the fact Christopher had joined the Officer Training Corps as a Cadet. This would expedite his transition into the colours upon the outbreak of hostilies in September 1939. The history of the Winchester College Prize Medal dates to at least as early as the first decade of the reign of King George III in the 1760s. However, it was not until 1797, that the Prince of Wales (the then Prince Regent) took up the patronage of the award and the addition of HONOREM PROPONIT ("Proposes the Honour") was made to the design. This Royal Prize Medal is the oldest of the now 24 annual awards bestowed by the Sovereign across the Armed Forces, Education, Architecture, Science, Poetry and Geography. As noted by Christopher Eimer (Author, British Historical Medals): "the medal was established by the Prince of Wales... two each in gold and silver, to be awarded in gold for Latin speech and in silver for Latin prose; the other two medals to be awarded for English, gold for speech, silver for verse, these to be awarded in alternate years." Today, Winchester College preserves an early example of the award for 1801, stating the transitional legend 'HONOREM PRINCEPS PROPONIT' and the device of the Prince of Wales (the Ostrich Feathers). When the Prince Regent became King George IV in January 1820, the bestowal of the Prize Medal became the preserve of the Sovereign, a tradition that endures to the present day over two centuries later. The present design was updated by Bertram Wyon during the reign of Queen Victoria to depict the tomb of school founder William of Wykeham, who died in 1404. Winchester College also preserves a small collection of prize medals from the reign of King George V (1919); King George VI (1945) and the late Queen Elizabeth II (2008). As Cheek notes: "Laurence Brown went to great lengths to define which medals should or should not be included in his book. Generally prize medals were excluded, as he felt that if he did not do so the book would never be complete or be published. However his overriding consideration was that medals of national importance would be included. As Royal Prize Medals were thought to be of national importance they were there confusingly in both categories. The result was that Royal Prize Medals issued during the reigns of George IV (1820-30) to George VI (1936-52) were included in BHM.... He continues: "There are also other Royal Price Medals not listed in BHM and not present in the following set: those medals produced with the effigy of Edward VIII, of which twenty-six were produced late in 1937. Equivalent issues to nos. 1-7, 10-12, 14-16, 18 and 20-21 were produced bearing the effigy of Edward VIII; no Edward VIII medals were produced for the Royal Geographical Society (Founder's Medal); the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Police Essay Competition or the Poetry Medal. A Royal Household Long and Faithful Service medal of Edward VIII was produced but never awarded; there is an example in the Royal Mint Museum. The other medals listed in the set described below were only initiated after the abdication of Edward VIII in December 1936. Laurence Brown was an assiduous researcher and I am sure that the omission of these medals from BHM was deliberate, presumably because he believed that they should be considered as Patterns for medals that were not issued, and thus lay outside the scope of his book. However since the publication of BHM two examples of Royal Prize Medals with the effigy of Edward VIII have appeared at auction inscribed with receipients' names, so it would appear that at least two were in fact awarded. There are no specimens of Royal Prize Medals with the effigy of Edward VIII in the Royal Collection." Corpus: 1. Royal Military Academy (Sandhurst) 2. Britannia Royal Naval College (Dartmouth); Awarded to Peter S Wilson; Morton & Eden, Auction 8, 25 May 2004, lot 133 (£6,200 HP); Joseph S Giordano Collection 3. Royal Air Force College (Cranwell) 4. King Edward VIII School (King's Lynn) The abdication of King Edward VIII on the 11 December 1936 brought to an end a tumultous 325-day reign. The termination of his reign brought with it the logistical headache of scrapping his approved effigy for a replacement in the likeness of King George VI. Deputy-Master of the Royal Mint (1922-1938), Sir Robert Arthur Johnson conceded: "The work of the two artists was all but completed when the events of last December rendered it nugatory. Over 200 dies of coins, medals and seals were thus rendered useless and the Mint was faced with the task of securing portraits of his present Majesty with but limited time available." He added in the same December 1937 interview shortly before his death: "I am betraying no profound secret in stating that the coinage effigy of the former King was, at his personal wish, prepared facing to the left. But as there has been no coinage bearing the bust of the former King, the old tradition has maintained by showing the effigy of the present monarch facing in the same direction as the last monarch but one. The new King's effigy faces left, as did those of King George V and Queen Victoria, a fact which is surely one of the most happy augury." He concluded: "During 1936, in the early stages when the coinage for King Edward was in question, I was made aware that some desire existed for a complete departure from the heraldic tradition which has been associated for several centuries with our principal coins." Based on surviving Royal Mint Archives, Official Gazette entries, contemporary newspaper reports and eyewitness accounts, the following timeline can be reconstructed for the numismatic and philatelic record of the short-lived King's reign. 20 January 1936 - At five minutes to midnight, King George V dies at Sandringham and his eldest son David, Prince of Wales becomes King Edward VIII. Thursday, 6 February 1936 - An official at the General Post Office informs the Daily Telegraph, that: "New postage stamps and postal orders bearing the portrait of King Edward VIII are not likely to be issued until the end of the year. It can also be authoritatively stated that no mourning stamps are to be printed. The annual sale of stamps in Britain totals 7,000,000,000. Postal orders number 225,000,000. Of the 70,000 letter boxes in the country, comparatively few will bear King Edward's initials for some time. New boxes will do so. Letter boxes bearing the inscription E.R. VII are still in existence, and there are still a few old ones marked V.R. On the 9,000 mail vans, the Royal initials will be altered as the vehicles are repainted." It is estimated that only 271 post-boxes bearing the cypher of Edward VIII were eventually produced. The same day, the 4th Winter Olympiad is opened in Garmisch-Partenkirchen by Adolf Hitler. Friday, 21 February 1936 - "The King received Sir Robert Johnson, Deputy Master of the Royal Mint at Buckingham Palace, and inspected a plaster cast of his own head, which had been prepared at the Mint. The cast will, with Royal Approval, be used not only for the new coins, but also in the preparation of dies for medals and other purposes." Friday, 13 March 1936 - "The King has approved two designs for the new Royal cypher: "E.R. VIII.". The War Office will make known to the public next week the designs submitted by Garter King of Arms which have been approved by the King. One Cypher in plain modern block letters surmounted by the Imperial Crown, will be used by the postal authorities and Government offices, Embassies, Legations and Consulates abroad, and by Dominions, India and the Crown Colonies. The other cypher follows the traditional style of interlocked initials with oak-leaf fringes. This will be used by the armed forces and the constabulary of the Empire." Tuesday, 28 April 1936 - The King sat at Buckingham Palace for the two medallionists [Thomas Humphrey Paget and Percy Metcalfe] of the Royal Mint, for the head which will appear on the new coinage and the medals which will be granted by King Edward the Eighth. Friday, 1 May 1936 - In what is estimated to be a £1,000,000 stimulus to the manufacting and stationery industry of Britain, the first printed examples of the King's Cypher appear in circulation. Saturday, 30 May 1936 - Bradford Post Office becomes the first building in Britain to feature the King's new cypher. Monday, 20 July 1936 - The Annual Swan Voyage of His Swan Master's Skiff along the River Thames exhibits the new Royal Cypher 'in red surmounted by a gold crown'. Friday 31 July 1936 - Sir William Currie, Chairman of the Worcester Committee announced that the King had been graciously pleased to become the patron of [Thames Nautical College, H.M.S.] Worcester. The King's gold medal was won by Kenneth Hodson. "A letter from the Secretary of the King's Privy Purse was read explaining that the medal could not be presented yet as a new one had to be cast bearing King Edward's head." This same medal was later sold by Sotheby's at an auction of 5 July 1994 (lot 211) and is believed to remain in a Private British Collection. Friday, 7 August 1936 - The King approves the uncrowned effigy submitted by Mr Thomas Humphrey Paget for his coins and medals, and the designs for the reverse of the new silver coinage by Mr George Kruger Gray. Tuesday, 1 September 1936 - Edward VIII's uncrowned effigy is released on stamps at midnight, featuring the series of halfpenny, threehalfpenny and twopence-halfpenny. London's three 'all-night post offices' in Fleet Street were besieged by collectors with queues forming two hours beforehand. "The issue was regarded as the greatest success of any recorded by the Post Office as over 30,000,000 stamps were sold on the first day." The following day however, critics were quick to note: "The head of the King is far from being the best photograph that has ever been taken and makes him appear more youthful than he really is. People are asking why there could not have been a break from tradition. Why always a face in profile? Why not full face, with the King wearing that boyish smile which has endeared him to millions? The new Australian stamp shows the King full face, so why not the English?" The Belfast Newsletter notes: "People are expressing the hope that a little more imagination will be displayed in the preparation of the new King Edward coins than has been manifested in the printing of the new stamps." Monday, 14 September 1936 - The penny stamp of Edward VIII is released. Wednesday, 16 September 1936 - The Royal Mint submits proposals to the Treasury for a new larger Threepence coin. An official stated: "the size is midway between that of a sixpence and a shilling. Efforts are being made to find a distinctive edge for the coin. The metal to be used has not yet been decided upon. The new coin will not however be made of silver or nickel." As Prince of Wales, Edward had described the silver issue, colloquially dubbed a 'joey' as an 'annoying coin'. Monday, 8 December 1936 - The Official Gazette, Notice No. 769 states: His Majesty the King has approved the issue of the customary official medal to commemorate His Majesty's Coronation. The medal will show on the obverse the crowned effigy of His Majesty with legend, and on the reverse the gateway of St James's Palace. "The Royal Mint are prepared to accept orders for these medals in Gold, large size, diameter 2.5 inches, price 50 guineas; small size, diameter 1.25 inches, price 12 guineas." Notice No. 770, states: "It has been announced that His Majesty the King will broadcast a message to the Empire on the day of his Coronation, Wednesday 12 May 1937. This will be His Majesty's first act after the Coronation ceremony is over. It is understood that a message to the Empire will not be broadcast by His Majesty at Christmas." Wednesday, 10 December 1936 - King Edward VIII signs his 'Instrument of Abdication' Thursday, 11 December 1936 - King George VI acceeds to the throne Tuesday, 2 March 1937 - The Royal Mint produces the obverse die hub for the Winchester College, King's Prize Medal. As each Royal Award is the preserve of the incumbent Sovereign, it is elected to retrospectively strike the medals with the 'classical' uncrowned effigy of the former King Edward VIII for those awarded in 1936. These are distributed to recipients over the following month. i) The Royal Collection boasts the artist's approval in gilt metal of King George VI sent for the monarch's personal assent (RCIN 443736). No artistic trials of Edward VIII were produced for the same purpose as the medals were to be produced retrospectively. ii) Spink has offered Marcus William Dick's, 1938 award in 2014, lot 628 iii) Spink has offered John Christopher Dancy's, 1939 award in 2021, lot 8110 Estimate: 15000 - 20000 USD |  |
Match 5:
| Noble Numismatics Pty Ltd > Auction 134 | Auction date: 21 November 2023 |
| Lot number: 2779 Price realized: 8,000 AUD (Approx. 5,251 USD / 4,806 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | |
| Lot description: DSO, MID (3 times) and VD Group of Six to AAMC: Distinguished Service Service Order (GVR); 1914-15 Star; British War Medal 1914-18; Victory Medal 1914-19 with MID; War Medal 1939-45; Colonial Auxiliary Forces Officers' Decoration (GRI) (with substitute top brooch bar missing pin). First medal unnamed, Captain H.V.P.Conrick. A.M.C. A.I.F. on second medal, Lieut-Col. H.V.P.Conrick. A.I.F. on third medal, Lt-Colonel H.V.P.Conrick. A.I.F. on fourth medal, H.V.P.Conrick. M.N. Surgeon on fifth medal, Lt.Col. H.V.P.Conrick. D.S.O., U.L. on last medal. Last medal engraved, all other named medals impressed. Display mounted, together with hat and collar badges of AAMC (KC), very fine. Ex Dix Noonan Webb Sale 5 November 1991 (lot 267). DSO: Supplement to LG 18/7/1917, p7214; CAG 8/11/1917, p2938, to Maj. Horatio Victor Patrick Conrick, A.A.M.C. Recommendation: Major H.V.P.Conrick 7th Australian Field Ambulance. On the evening of May 6th 1917 near Noreuil a wagon loaded with explosives was being taken forward. This wagon was hit and a huge explosion took place, drawing heavy enemy shell fire on to the spot. A man rushed to Major Conrick for assistance and reported that a hundred men had been killed or wounded by the explosion. Major Conrick immediately collected bearers and led them to the scene of the accident. He personally attended to the wounded and directed the bearers in the open under heavy shell fire until all the wounded had been safely removed. Another report of Major Conrick's service reads as follows, 'During the severe fighting near Bullecourt Major Conrick was in charge of the Advanced Collecting Post near Noreuil from the 4th to 9th of May 1917. He continually moved from Post to Post under intense fire encouraging the men and arranging the relief for the bearers when exhausted. It was due to his efforts that the evacuation of wounded was rapidly and successfully carried on during the above days. This officer was in the first Australian Expeditionary Force and has served with the A.I.F. throughout the Gallipoli and French campaigns. He has, at all times, been characterised by his good work under all circumstances.' MID: (1st) LG 28/1/1916, p1209; CAG 6/4/1916, p862 - I have the honour to submit herewith the name of Captain H.V.P.Conrick, 3rd Field Ambulance, whose services I wish to bring to your lordship's notice in connexion with the operations described in my despatch of 11th December, 1915. (2nd) LG 13/7/1916, p6955; CAG 30/11/1916, p3234 - With reference to the despatch published on the 10th April, the following are mentioned for distinguished and gallant services rendered during the period of General Sir Charles Munro's Command of the Mediterranean Expeditionary Force :- Major Horatio Victor Patrick Conrick. (3rd) LG 28/12/1917, p13568; CAG 18/4/1918, p845 - The following is a continuation of Sir Douglas Haig's Despatch of the 7th November, submitting names deserving special mention, published in a supplement to the "London Gazette" of Friday, 28th December, 1917 :- Major (temporary Lieutenant-Colonel) H.V.P.Conrick, D.S.O. CAFOD (VD): CAG No.58 16/7/1931 to Lt-Col H.V.P.Conrick DSO, Unattached List, 2nd MD. This decoration was presented to Lt-Colonel Conrick DSO, VD by His Excellency the Governor General at his office in the Commonwealth Bank Chambers, Martin Place, Sydney on Monday 14 March 1932. Horatio Victor Patrick Conrick (1882-1960), born 27May1882 at Fitzroy, Melbourne and educated at the Christian Brothers' School, St Kilda; started working as a bank clerk before studying medicine at the University of Melbourne (M.B., B.S., 1910); appointed Resident Medical Officer at Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Brisbane; 02Feb1914 commissioned Captain in AAMC, Citizen Forces; 20Aug1914 appointed to A.I.F. and posted to the 3rd Field Ambulance, AAMC; Emb.25Sep1914; served throughout the Gallipoli Campaign and was awarded a mentioned in dispatch in 1916 for his services as detailed in a dispatch in December 1915; appointed to 2nd AGH in Egypt Jan1916; promoted to Major 06Feb1916; transferred to the 3rd Australian Auxiliary Hospital and left for the Western Front in April; served as medical officer-in-charge, Anzac Base Details, and then attached to the Aust Vol Hosp in July; for the rest of 1916 held appointments with 2nd AGH and 5th and 7th Field Ambulances; serving with the latter unit when his award of the Distinguished Service Order was gazetted in July 1917; later that year he served with the 1st and 15th Field Ambulances, the 10th Casualty Clearing Station and the 24 Bn; appointed Temporary Lieut-Colonel and Senior Medical Officer at the 2nd Command Convalescent Depot in November and was again mentioned in dispatches; 03Apr to 24May1918 commanded 8th Field Ambulance; rank confirmed on 01May1918; RTA Jun1918 and appt terminated 14Aug1918; no record of WWII Merchant Navy service as surgeon found. On 12Sep1918, Conrick married Mary Frances Punch at St Mary's Catholic Church, North Sydney; they settled at North Sydney and he resumed medical practice concentrating on children's medicine; held appointments at Sydney's Renwick Hospital for Infants at Summer Hill from 1922 and was honorary consulting surgeon there from 1957 until his death; from the late 1940s he was Honorary Assistant Physician at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital for women and children at Crows Nest and for several years was New South Wales representative on the council of the British Medical Association; remained on reserves with AAMC until 1943 when he was placed on the retired list with the rank of Lt-Colonel; Horatio Conrick died on 18 July 1960 and was buried in the Catholic section of Gore Hill Cemetery; In the Gore Hill Cemetery Biographies Volume 1, p219 it states that Conrick was the officiating officer at the burial service of Simpson Kirkpatrick, who was immortalised as "the donkey man" and 'Simpson and his donkey". On April 28th, 1915, Capt. Conrick, AAMC, landed on Gallipoli with the 3rd Field Ambulance. The soldier to become known as 'Simpson, the Donkey Man' was one of his stretcher bearers. Shortly before his death in 1960, Conrick wrote with first hand knowledge of this brave and remarkable Australian soldier and his personal recollections were brought into the public domain by his daughter, Mrs Mary Rayward of Dee Why. In one part of these recollections Conrick wrote, 'Simpson was a very game man and in fact, he laughed at danger. At all times he was cheerful and a great favourite with his mates of the 3rd Field Ambulance. On one occasion I passed him in Monash Gully and called out to him, 'Look out for yourself Simmy.' His laughing reply came, 'That bullet hasn't been made for me yet, sir.' When our C.O., Colonel Alfred Sutton, a good soldier and sensible man, came ashore at Anzac about one week after the landing, we reported to him the type of work Simpson was doing, detached from the Ambulance. He replied he was quite agreeable he should continue, as his was an exceptional case, the only stipulation being that he should report at intervals to H.Q. Simpson came to us at times for rations, but more often he was fed by the Indian Mountain Battery and Jacobs Mule Train, who were camped near Monash Gully. They greatly admired him and would have given him anything. After his death, these Indians took charge of his donkey, fed it and looked after it. Their Medical Officer, Capt. Casey Evans (afterwards Sir Casey Evans) told me that he enquired of some of them if they would not lose caste by handling a donkey. They replied, 'What matter, sahib, it is the donkey of a Bahadur - a hero.' We buried Simpson in the cemetery on Brighton Beach, close to 'Hell-fire Corner,' a spot he had passed hundreds of times in his brave journeyings.' With a large file of research and photos. Estimate: 10000 AUD |  |
