A rare gallantry medal awarded to a Lichfield railway worker is going under the hammer.
Porter Arthur Eccleshall received the Albert Medal in 1908 aged just 19 after he jumped off a platform in front of a train to rescue a child crossing the line. He was himself knocked unconscious after being hit following his rescue of the young boy.
Arthur was the youngest railwayman to receive the honour after his act of bravery at Bushbury station, which closed in 1912.
Now his oval, solid bronze medal – of which only 290 were ever issued – will go up for auction at Cuttlestones’ Wolverhampton Auction Rooms on April 19.
“This is a very interesting lot due to its rarity, but when you add the fascinating story of how Arthur was awarded his medal and its local links, it makes it completely unique,” said auctioneer Ben Gamble.
“Medal collectors aspire to have specimens like this in their collection – the human story behind a medal, whether it’s a rare example or not, adds to its provenance and therefore value.”
Arthur went on to marry Edith Emily Banks in 1915 and the couple had two daughters. He served during World War One as a Private in the 2/6 South Staffordshire Regiment, during which time he was held as a prisoner of war at Minden, and for which he was awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
The keen Wolverhampton Wanderers fan’s railway career continued for a further 47 years, and he then worked as a voluntary steward at Cannock Hockey Club during his retirement.
He died after suffering a heart attack, aged 69, in August 1958.
His Albert Medal is made all the more rare because at least 49 of them were returned in exchange for a George Cross in 1971.
“In addition to being of interest to avid medal collectors, this lot is also likely to appeal to the equally ardent railwayana collectors due to its links to the golden age of rail travel, and to those with a keen interest in the history of Staffordshire and the Black Country,” Ben added.
“It’s a great piece of local history and we’re proud to be selling it.”
Viewing for the auction will be from 10am to 7pm on April 18 and also on the morning of the sale. For more details visit www.cuttlestones.co.uk or call 01902 421985.