Scarce gilded bronze RMS Carpathia commemorative medal, 1.25 x 1.5, with a raised design of the vessel with icebergs and several lifeboats from the Titanic, bordered by two fish, with Neptune’s head and an anchor at the top and bottom. The reverse is dominated in raised text, in full: “Presented to the Captain, Officers & crew of R.M.S. ‘Carpathia,’ in recognition of gallant and heroic services from the survivors of the S.S. ‘Titanic,’ April 15th, 1912.” Manufactured by Dieges & Clust of New York. Medal is attached to a period red, white, and blue ribbon. In fine condition, with some light staining to the ribbon.
The RMS Carpathia was the first vessel to respond to and discover the lifeboats of the Titanic in the early hours of April 15th, cautiously making its way through ice fields and rescuing a total of 705 survivors. Upon their arrival in New York three days later, officers and crew were awarded medals to memorialize the rescue. Organized and presented by surviving passenger Margaret (Molly) Brown, a total of 320 medals were bestowed, with the officers receiving silver examples and the remaining crew bronze; Captain Arthur Rostron was given a gold medal and silver cup for his brave command. Some recipients or their families subsequently had various embellishments done to their medals, such as gilding or engraving, as is the case with the gilding of this example. A treasured and significant keepsake from the Titanic rescue mission.
