Bramley-Moore medal for saving life at sea, Liverpool, England, 1872-1873

Silver medal, blue silk ribbon, Bramley-Moore medal for saving life at sea, dated 1872, with bar form Liverpool shipwreck and Humane Society, by Elkington, Liverpool, English, 1872-1873

The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society awarded the Bramley-Moore medal for saving life at sea. It was named after a rich Liverpool trader. The medal is made of silver with a blue ribbon and it was made in 1872, so this is a very early example. The exact circumstances that led to this particular medal being awarded are unknown.

The Liverpool Shipwreck and Humane Society formed in 1839, following the occurrence of a terrible hurricane. It caused many wrecks and the loss of over 100 lives during two days and two nights of the 7th and 8th January of that year. As there was no money to help those affected, a public fund was established which resulted in the formation of the society. It continues to award medals and certificates for bravery. The Bramley-Moore medal has been awarded only once in Gold, 22 times in Silver and 17 times in Bronze.