Albert Medal, II Class Medal (for life saving at sea)

CATEGORY: Version

SKU: 02.GBR.0117.102.01.000

Estimated market value:

$12000+ USD

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Estimated market value:

$12000+ USD

Attributes

  • Country
    Great Britain
  • Composition
    Bronze/Enamelled
  • Inscription
    Obv: FOR GALLANTRY IN SAVING LIFE AT SEA Rev: [RECIPIENT DETAILS]
  • Size
    30x57mm
  • Version Remarks
    The earliest examples of this version feature a cartouche on the reverse stamped "Phillips Cockspur St."

History


The Albert Medal was established by Royal Warrant on March 7, 1866 and named in honour of Prince Albert who had passed away five years earlier. It was reduced in 1949 before it was permanently discontinued in 1971 in favour of the George Cross.

The Medal was originally created as a single-class medal awarded to British and Commonwealth citizens in recognition of life-saving acts at sea, however, it was expanded to two classes only a year later. In 1877, it was extended to recognize acts of life-saving on land. It could also be awarded multiple times to the same recipient, in which case a bar clasp was worn on the ribbon to denote each additional award. The Medal was awarded in this manner until 1949 when the I Class Medal was permanently discontinued, and the II Class Medal was only awarded posthumously. In 1971, it was permanently discontinued, and all recipients were invited to exchange their medals for the George Cross.

Recipients were entitled to use the post-nominal letters AM after a 1918 amendment.

There are different versions of the medal that vary in design and inscription according to the type of recognized act. Medals for acts of life-saving at sea feature an anchor in the obverse design, while medals for acts of life-saving on land do not.

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