December 18 & 19, 2023 Fine and Decorative Arts
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/18/2023
Extremely rare and important Tiffany & Co. F.D.N.Y. Thomas E. Crimmins Memorial Medal in solid 14k gold with original 14k gold pin, red ribbon and Tiffany & Co. presentation box. This medal was awarded to Lieutenant Edward F. Gross of Queens, NY by Mayor John Francis Hylan for his rescue of 12 year old Miss Anna Brozowsky of Brooklyn, NY at 3 am on the morning of August 22nd, 1924. "Lieutenant Gross was in charge of Engine Company No. 231 in Watkins Street. Gross entered the the building by a stairwell and was himself partially rendered unconscious while searching for the young woman on the third floor. Finding her, he hastened as best he could under conditions replete with smoke and heat, to the nearest window. By that time a ladder had been raised, and she was carried down." -The Brooklyn Citizen. Anna's younger brother, William, was seriously injured as a result of the blaze. "William slipped from his father's arms and fell three stories to the pavement. His skull was crushed. His sister, Anna, was dangerously burned" -The Buffalo Enquirer. The medal and pin are each signed. The front of the medal reads "Thomas E. Crimmins Memorial Medal F.D.N.Y." The back of the medal reads "To The Brave, Lieut. Edward F. Gross, 1924." The medal is marked "Tiffany & Co." on reverse, and "14KT. Gold" on the edge. The bar-pin is marked "Tiffany & Co. Makers, 14KT. Gold M" on reverse. The original presentation box is marked inside "Tiffany & Co., New York, Paris, London.". Medal measures 45mm in diameter. Overall length measures 3-5/8" from top to bottom. Original ribbon intact with some fraying at top. Gross weight is 65.2 grams.
Condition: (Excellent)