British Royal Lifesaving Society Named J. Black 1919 Medal With 14K Birks Bar

This item is an original British Royal Lifesaving Society (RLSS) medal awarded in 1919, bearing the name J. Black. The medal exemplifies the type issued by the RLSS to recognize acts of lifesaving or proficiency in lifesaving skills. It is accompanied by a 14K gold bar produced by Birks, a notable Canadian jeweler, which is often associated with special honors or distinctions. The medal’s obverse typically features the RLSS insignia and relevant inscriptions while the reverse is personalized with the recipient’s name and the date of issue. Items of this type are valued for their connection to early twentieth-century lifesaving history and for their representation of civilian contributions to public safety. The award’s period, 1919, situates it shortly after World War I, reflecting ongoing emphasis on lifesaving education. The inclusion of the Birks gold bar may indicate a particularly high grade or additional commendation.