Australian Singles

Lot 6170       Australian Singles

Estimate $3,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $5,900

THE 'OVALAU' MEDAL 1903. named engraved to R. Glen, silver (38mm) Amor (C.1903/2). Presented by the N.S.W. Government to 27 crew of the Ovalau. Toned, extremely fine and extremely rare.

Sold with a copy of the article on this wreck by W.J.D. Mira. The Ovalau, under command of Captain C.W. Todd, left Sydney on her island run on 25th August, 1903, calling at Newcastle, Noumea, the Solomons and Norfolk Island before starting back for Port Jackson via Lord Howe Island. On board were 45 passengers and 28 crew when at 7pm on Sunday 18th October, a fire broke out in the forehold hatch where oily copra was stored. At this time the Ovalau was 100 miles from Lord Howe Island, the nearest landfall. The vessel made full steam for Lord Howe, while on fire, all through the night. The next morning Captain Todd dropped anchor and sent the passengers ashore. By 10am the vessel was fully alight and burning fiercely. As a result of the fire and explosions the vessel sank by 4am the next day. The New South Wales Government presented Captain Todd with a special handcrafted gold medal and the crew with a silver medal each minted by W.J. Amor of Sydney in recognition of their gallant and meritorious exertion in trying th save the vessel and in saving the passengers by transporting them to Lord Hower Island. R. Glen was Chief Cook on board the Ovalau.