Man overboard! Edwardian era life saving medal at auction

A medal and certificate from the early 1900s awarded to an heroic sailor is to be auctioned by Chilcotts in their March sale.

Research into the award has thrown up some fascinating nuggets of maritime history, say the auctioneers.

Dating from 1910, the medal was presented by the Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society to one Charles MacIver for ‘most skilfully rescuing one of the crew of the yacht Cintra, knocked over board by the breaking of the mast at the Dartmouth Regatta on the 26th August 1910.’

MacIver was a British sailor who had competed in the London 1908 Olympics as a crew member aboard the Mouchette. His team came second in the 12-Metre Regatta, and in accordance with the Olympic scoring of the day, all received bronze medals apart from the helmsman and mate, who received silver. MacIver, however, is also credited with being awarded a silver medal on the official Olympic database.

Auctioneer Duncan Chilcott commented: “The MacIver family owned the Cunard Line and the sale also features a number of photo albums depicting the extraordinary life this wealthy family led.

“Amongst the photographs are several of grand yachts including the Mouchette, which we believe MacIver was aboard when he rescued the hapless sailor.”

In another twist, the Cintra, from which the crew member fell, which had been built as a racing yacht in 1909 was rediscovered in a shed on the East coast of England at the beginning of the 1990s. The yacht was taken to Italy where it was restored before taking part in classic Mediterranean Regattas, in the vintage class. In 2012, it was sold and moved to Kiel.

The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society, which awarded the medal to MacIver in recognition of his heroic life-saving actions, was formed in 1839. Over the years the organisation has awarded thousands of medals to ‘people who voluntarily put their own lives or safety at risk by saving or attempting to save other people who are in danger in cases of shipwreck, drowning, fire or any other hazards.’

As well as the medal and citation, valued at between £200 - £300, there are several Cunard Line-related objects in the March 3 Fine Art, Antiques and Collectors Items sale at Chilcotts Silver Street sale room in Honiton, close to Honiton Community College. Viewing is on Thursday, 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 7pm and on Sale Day from 8:30am. The sale starts at 10am. To find out more visit Chilcotts website.