Alderfer Auction in Hatfield, Pa., will sell Seaman-Gunner Neils Lykke’s Spanish-American War medal group at its Fine and Decorative Arts Auction on Thursday, Dec. 7.
This Spanish-American War U.S. Navy medal grouping of Seaman-Gunner Lykke, who served aboard the U.S. Navy Gunboat USS Gloucester during the Battle of Santiago de Cuba on July 3, 1898, includes a U.S. Navy Sampson medal with “USS Gloucester” bar which is named on edge, “Neils H. Lykke, SEA.GR.” Also in the group is a U.S. Naval Campaign – West Indies Special Meritorious Cross medal engraved on reverse, “Neils H. Lykke-Seaman Gunner—Rescuing crews from and in close proximity to burning ships after the battle off Santiago Cuba July 3rd 1898,” and a U.S Navy Good Conduct medal engraved on reverse, “C.S.C. No. 10366 Neils H. Lykke, U.S.S. New York, July 6, 1896.” A rare, privately struck USS Gloucester silver medal engraved on reverse, “Neils H. Lykke-Sea Gunner,” was struck by J.P. Morgan to be presented to the crew of the Navy gunboat USS Gloucester, which began life as Morgan’s yacht, the SS Corsair II. Morgan sold the yacht to the U.S. Navy in 1898 when the Navy needed vessels, and it was refitted as a gunboat. The central part of the lower portion of this medal is a Spanish 5 Pesetas coin taken from a silver horde from one of the Spanish ships sunk during the battle. A United Spanish War Veteran Member medal (type 1) and a United Spanish War Veteran Member medal (type 3), as well as a leather bound booklet containing vellum pages (Continuous Service Certificate, Certificate of Seaman Gunner, and others) detailing Lykke’s naval service from 1889 through 1896 will also be sold.
This historical medal grouping, as well as several other United States medals and groupings representing bravery and service, will be offered on Thursday, Dec. 7, beginning at noon. This sale boasts fine historical items, jewelry, silver, decorative accessories, period furniture, and art.
For more information, call 215-393-3000 or visit www.AlderferAuction.com.