Medal — Samuel Plimsoll, England, 1875
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1875
Medal — Samuel Plimsoll, England, 1875 is an object recorded by Victoria and Albert Museum, dated 1875. The museum's brief description reads: Brass laudatory medal of Samuel Plimsoll and the passing of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1875, England, 19th century.
Museum description: Brass laudatory medal of Samuel Plimsoll and the passing of the Merchant Shipping Act of 1875. On the obverse a bust of Samuel Plimsoll bare head left with 'S PLIMSOLL' underneath ; around the inscription 'HOUSE OF COMMONS 22 JULY 1875 LONDON'. On the reverse a port broadside view of a foundering ship with skull and crossbones on the sail. In exergue 'COFFIN SHIP'. The museum record gives material recorded as brass; place associated: England.
These details come from the holding museum's own record; how far this object represents a wider collectible type has not yet been independently verified.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Samuel Plimsoll (1824–98) was a coal merchant and later Member of Parliament for Derby. While in office he lobbied passionately for an internationally agreed line to mark the safe loading limit for cargo ships. The Merchant Shipping Act was eventually passed in 1876 and the Plimsoll Line exists on ships to this day.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- brass
Technical characteristics
- Technique
- Brass, struck
- Place recorded
- England
Design
- Inscriptions recorded
- 'S PLIMSOLL' and 'HOUSE OF COMMONS 22 JULY 1875 LONDON'.; 'COFFIN SHIP'
Identification
- Museum object name
- Medal
- Museum object number
- 246-1886
- Museum system number
- O106868
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm materials, dimensions, maker and wider type against the holding institution and a specialist reference.