1913 Life Saving Benevolent Association of New York Medal. Gold. 51.06 mm. 63.2 grams, 29 karats. By

1913 Life Saving Benevolent Association of New York Medal. Gold. 51.06 mm. 63.2 grams, 29 karats. By George Hampden Lovett. Mint State.，Obv: Sailing ship foundering in storm, House of Refuge on shore dispatches rescuers in life boat while others fire a lifeline from a Lyle Gun on the beach. Rev: Oak wreath, VITA FELICIBUS AUSIS SERVATA above enclosing hand engraved inscription PRESENTED TO / MAX SPANGENBERG / CAPTAIN OF THE / STEAMSHIP "GROSSER KURFURST" / IN RECOGNITION OF HIS HUMANITY / AND SEAMANSHIP / IN RESCUING 106 PERSONS FROM / THE BURNING STEAMSHIP "VOLTURNO" / DURING A HEAVY GALE AND / HIGH SEA IN MID-OCEAN / OCTOBER 10, 1913. <strong>Edge:</strong> Inscribed TIFFANY & CO 20 KT GOLD.<p>The SS <em>Volturno</em> was an ocean liner carrying over 650 immigrants that caught fire and sank in the North Atlantic in October 1913. After the ship issued SOS signals, 11 ships came to her aid, and in heavy seas and gale winds, they rescued a total of 520 passengers and crewmen. 136 passengers and crewmen were lost, mostly women and children from the unsuccessful launching of life boats early in the disaster.<p>This example shows the matte or sandblast finish of the 20th century, a dramatic contrast to the prooflike surfaces of earlier strikes from this issuer. Lovely smooth surfaces with no defects of note.，，