**Swanson Jubilee Medal-1887**

[Howard Brown]

Courtesy of new Forums member Gareth !
Thanks very much Gareth.

From Gareth :


Hi All,


I approached Howard recently regarding an interesting find I made, and he very generously provided me with an account so that I could share this with those of you that have far more experience on this subject than myself.


I have not been researching the subject of 'Jack the Ripper' for very long, but when I found a police medal in my collection with the name Swanson inscribed on it, it rang a bell and I started looking into it.

I can't say for sure if it is Donald Sutherland Swanson's medal, but I was hoping some of the board members may have some clues.


It is a Metropolitan Police Jubilee Medal dated 1887 with an 1897 clasp across the navy blue ribbon.


The inscription around the medal reads:


INSPR D. SWANSON. A. DIVN

( The lettering is all capitols and on a slight slant, I will try and get a photo of this asap)


I can confirm to the best of my research that at the time of the issuance of the medal Donald Sutherland Swanson, was in A Division and was an Inspector. As to whether he was the ONLY Inspector D. Swanson at the time is unconfirmed as yet.


I would love to hear your thoughts on this. Many thanks

Gareth

[Howard Brown]

http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac287/HowieNina/2011%20Forums/dsm1.jpghttp://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac287/HowieNina/2011%20Forums/dsm2.jpg

[Cris Malone]

There was an Inspector Donald Swanson in A division at the time that our Donald joined the Met Police in 1868 and was a relative, but the dates on the medal - 1887 and 1897 make it likely that this medal belonged to DSS. I've forgotten, offhand with no papers at present, the exact date he was transferred to the Central Office, but think it was in 1887 or early 1888. Paul or Stewart will likely know.

On further recollection that may have been November, '87 when he was promoted to Chief Inspector.

Thanks much, Gareth, for sharing that bit of history with us and a great entrance to the boards.

Outstanding

[Gareth]

Hi Chris,

Thanks for the response, brilliant!

When you say Central Office, do you mean 'A' division?

I found this whilst digging, but I can only find it from one source:

“He started in A Division, moved to Y Division on 9 September 1870,
to K Division on 12 December 1871 and back to A division on 15 September 1876”

and from the same source:

“The elder Donald Swanson is recorded at Wellington Arch Police Station in the 1861, 1871 and 1881 censuses. He was unmarried, had joined the force
in 1843, and had been promoted to sergeant in 1852 and inspector in 1859. He resigned on 13 December 1881, apparently following a stroke (MEPO 21/16, no 5509).
His death was registered in the fourth quarter of 1882 at Kensington (reference 1a 19).

According to his pension record, he had been born at Thurso on 2 February 1814, the son of William and Ellen Swanson
- though the ages given in the census returns would imply he was born several years later. He may have been the
Donald Swanson baptised in the neighbouring parish of Reay on 20 March 1813, the son of William Swanson and Helen (née Swanson), who had been married
at Reay on 28 December 1810, and who later lived in Thurso. If so, he may have been related to Donald Sutherland Swanson through either his father or his mother (or both).”



That's still not to say that he was the only Inspector D. Swanson in A division in 1887, but it's looking that way.
I don't know about medal inscription etiquette, but I would have thought that if there were two or more people with the same name, they would include another initial?

Gareth

[Cris Malone]

Hi Gareth,

The Central Office was the main Metropolitan Police headquarters at Scotland Yard itself.

I had forgotten that the elder Donald Swanson had died in 1882. The likelyhood of another Donald Swanson that was an inspector in A division in 1887 would seem remote, indeed.

[Nemo]

Nice find Gareth

Welcome to the boards

[Monty]

Hi all,

Gareth,

As you state, Swanson moved to Y (Highgate) Division from A (Whitehall) on 9th September 1870. He then transferred from Y to K (Stepney) Division on 12th December 1871 (which is when he became a Detective Sergeant). On 15th September 1876 he moved back to A Division.

Then, on 19th November 1887 he moved to the Central Office Scotland Yard.

He became an Inspector in the CID on 6th July 1878 and Chief Inspector on 2nd February 1888.

Golden Jubilee medals were issued to celebrate Queen Victoria reign of 50 years. They were issued in 3 groups, Gold, Silver and Bronze. Gold was presented to the Royal Family and guests. Silver to the Royal Household, Minister, top brass in the Armed Forces and a few Foriegn visitors during the celebrations. Bronze was issued to the remaining Forces members who aided with the celebrations as well as the Police.

All Policemen (Met and City) involved in the celebrations and parade, on 21st June 1887, recieved the medals as Gareth kindly shows us. The Police ones differed from the other Bronze medals as it held their name and ranks on them.

Medals were also issued during Victoria 1897 Diamond Jubilee celebrations however these were only to those who did not have an 1887 one. The ribbon on these medals had a broad white stripe running through it.

Those who did have an 1887 medal were issued with clasps with 1897 markings upon them.

Hope this helps those who are wondering what these Jubilee medals were all about.

Monty
:)

[Cris Malone]

It helps, tremendously, Neil.

Thanks for the great info.

[Gareth]

Many thanks for that Monty, that fills in loads of the gaps, and as Cris said, helps tremendously as it still keeps the medal in the frame to have belonged to D.S.Swanson

I'm going to have to draw up a time line doc for this - the dates are numerous.

Thanks for the welcome Nemo, glad it's of interest

Gareth

[Monty]

Gareth,

For what its worth, I think it looks good.

The provenence is the key here, may I ask, how did you obtain it?

Monty
:)

[Gareth]

Hi Monty,

My Father would buy me a medal every Birthday and Christmas in the hope that I would cultivate a 'hobby'. He gave me this medal about 30 years ago, I never became a collector but I did look after them.


I can't imagine that my Father knew the History of this particular medal, and unfortunately, he has since had a severe stroke which has effected his memory. However, he did write a Book about Death, so you never know.

Gareth

[Gareth]

Hi All,

hopefully attached is the best photo I could get of the Inscription around the medal.

Gareth

[Chris G.]

Hello Gareth

For what it's worth, here is an enlargement and color inversion of the photograph that you posted which might make Swanson's name a bit more readable.

Cheers

Chris http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3480259031_abf7f5973d_o.gif

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5053/5579858186_66b49171fc_o.jpg

[Chris G.]

Hi Monty,

My Father would buy me a medal every Birthday and Christmas in the hope that I would cultivate a 'hobby'. He gave me this medal about 30 years ago, I never became a collector but I did look after them.


I can't imagine that my Father knew the History of this particular medal, and unfortunately, he has since had a severe stroke which has effected his memory. However, he did write a Book about Death, so you never know.

Gareth

Hi Gareth

Given that your Dad wrote a book about Death, is it possible that you got your interest in this 'orrible case from your Dad?

Chris

[Gareth]

Great effort Chris,

Yes, it most likely had a large influence, I think i have been around every grave yard in Europe as a child; beats Dysney world though.

incidentally, on the subject , i have a photo of Donald Sutherland Swanson's grave that I am trying to upload, but it's way too big. I might have to venture into microshaft to reduce the size. tech eh!

[Howard Brown]

Gareth:

You can send me a copy of the grave and I'll make sure it gets on the boards.

[Debra Arif]

Hi All,

hopefully attached is the best photo I could get of the Inscription around the medal.

Gareth

Thanks for this photo Gareth (and thanks Chris for the enhancement which helped me a lot) I was wondering where Swanson's name was inscribed after you posted the first couple of pictures, but didn't like to ask.

[Gareth]

incidentally, on the subject , i have a photo of Donald Sutherland Swanson's grave that I am trying to upload, but it's way too big. I might have to venture into microshaft to reduce the size. tech eh!


How has now managed to get these on the board here http://www.jtrforums.com/showthread.php?p=131529&posted=1#post131529

cheers

[Howard Brown]

Gareth:

Thanks for sharing these photos...that was nice of you.

[Gareth]

No problem How, you did all the hard work.

Cheers

[Gareth]

Hi all,

just for a bit of an update: I have had it confirmed from www.britishmedalforum.com

in this thread http://www.britishmedalforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=54265

From a very helpful chap with Postal Directory records, that there was indeed only one
Inspector D. Swanson at the Met at the time of the medal issuance.

Chuffed!

[Monty]

Whoo hoo,

Excellent stuff Gareth, well done.

They were obviousy better than the lame asses I asked.

Congrats mate.

Monty
:)

[Chris G.]

Hi all,

just for a bit of an update: I have had it confirmed from www.britishmedalforum.com

in this thread http://www.britishmedalforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=161&t=54265

From a very helpful chap with Postal Directory records, that there was indeed only one
Inspector D. Swanson at the Met at the time of the medal issuance.

Chuffed!

Excellent work, Gareth. Nice to know you own this significant artifact with its connection to an important police official who was so intimately involved in the Ripper case. Congratulations!

Chris

[Gareth]

Thanks a lot Monty, Chris and How for all the help you have been, I am way out of my depth with this one.

I am now just a bit worried that no provision is made for this in my house insurance.

Would it be regarded as spam to ask peoples opinion as to it possible value, as i literally have no idea?

[Chris G.]

Thanks a lot Monty, Chris and How for all the help you have been, I am way out of my depth with this one.

I am now just a bit worried that no provision is made for this in my house insurance.

Would it be regarded as spam to ask peoples opinion as to it possible value, as i literally have no idea?

Hi Gareth

It would be hard to put a value on such an object, being as it is, one of a kind. It would be more valuable to someone who wants it because of the Ripper connection. You are fortunate to be the owner of it.

Chris

[Gareth]

That's the problem I'm having Chris.

It was an amazing find, and could have so easily been lost on all my travels.

I'm looking through all my other 'stuff' very carefully now, but i don't think this sort of find happens every day or even in a lifetime.

I am very honoured and slightly humbled to have it.

[Monty]

Its a good question Gareth,

I was asked my opinion on the valuation of the models used at The Siege of Sidney Street inquest by the Curator of the City Police musuem. I hadn't a clue as, as Chris states, its a one of a kind. With interest only to a selected few.

There is a website which deals with such things, I'm sure you've heard of it, Gentlemens Military Interest Club, they may help.

http://www.google.com/url?q=http://gmic.co.uk/&sa=U&ei=owuvTaX1NIPpOZP4mOQB&ved=0CAkQFjAA&usg=AFQjCNHZTAGK8S_GMlKa-NI7ifNnWltiNA

Monty
:)

[Gareth]

Excellent stuff Monty

I have just posted on there, so fingers crossed they may have an idea.
I hadn't heard of that site, a nice little gem - Thanks

Gareth

[Monty]

Hey Gareth,

Did you note Swanson was also presented with a 1902 coronation medal?

I'm a member on that site so will check it out later....best o luck mate.

Monty
:)

[Gareth]

Yes I saw that Monty,

I don't know who has that medal, maybe the Family? Imagine if they were reunited.

[Chris G.]

Hi Gareth

If you ever decided to sell the medal or donate it somewhere, say to the Swanson family, might that be its swan song?

Cheers

Chris http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2545/3721359778_38a0fc7145_o.gif

[Gareth]

Swan song - nice one chris :second:

I have told the family that they will be the first to know if I decide to part with it.

Ironically I did have it listed on ebay, then i started looking into the name, and realised it's

significance.

[Gareth]

Hi How,

I can't seem to upload some up-close photos that are under 200kb in size without getting an error message.


can I send to you to up-load?

[Rob House]

Hi Gareth,

I don't know if you still post here, but I was wondering about the book your father wrote. You said it was a book about death. What was the title if I might ask.

Rob H

[Gareth]

Hi Gareth,

I don't know if you still post here, but I was wondering about the book your father wrote. You said it was a book about death. What was the title if I might ask.

Rob H


Hi Rob,

I'd love to let you know about the book, and will be happy to once I am no longer the owner of this 'hot potato' that is the Swanson Medal.

I am certain your intentions are 100% honorable, however, ever since going public with this find, I have had a plethora of people attempting to find out who I am and where I live (some with very sinister tactics I might add)

So I hope you will forgive my secrecy in not answering your question, it's a sad state of affairs really.

All the best

Gareth

[Chris G.]

Hi Gareth

Sorry to hear you have been the subject of harassment by certain parties since it became public that you have the medal. Good luck, my friend.

Best regards

Chris

[Nemo]

Sorry to hear that Gareth

I don't understand the motive for such behaviour

If you get any obviously untoward approaches I would name and shame them

Are you sure they are not mistaking you for Ripperologist editor Gareth Williams / Sam Flynn?

[Scott Nelson]

Oh just give it to me. Problem solved. I'm the only one who ever interpreted Swanson correctly anyway.

[Monty]

Y'all know my interest....


With the recent announcement of the sale of Swansons stuff, has anything happened with regards this medal?

To me that would be the one item Id be interested in.

Monty
:)