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Sean James Gordon VC: carte-de-visite for Seamus James Gordon V.…
Sale Title:
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Melbourne
Date:
26-Jun-2022
Lot No.
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Description:
Sean James Gordon VC: carte-de-visite for Seamus James Gordon V.C. taken by Charles Percy Pickering at George Street Studio, Brickfield Hill, Sydney c.1880. The image shows a seated Gorman holding a walking stick, wearing 4 medals including his Victoria Cross, his left leg exhibiting pronounced attestation to the artificial leg concealed beneath. The item is accompanied by magnified image, plus copious biographical notes by Harry Willey (author of '150 Years of the Victoria Cross 1857-2007'), Sean James Gorman was born in Middlesex, England in 1834. He commenced naval service aboard HMS Victory in 1848, quickly progressing to become an instructor to apprentices on HMS Rolla, by 1852 he had been promoted to Able Seaman serving with the Naval Brigade in the Crimea under the Command of Captain Stephen Lushington. In the Battle of Inkerman Gorman, along with four others, showed commendable bravery in defending wounded sailors under assault from a formidable Russian force, eventually forcing the attackers into retreat. The following week Gorman further distinguished himself rescuing Captain Lushington when surrounded by enemy troops. Gorman was badly wounded saving his Commander resulting in the amputation of his left leg in 1854. In 1857 the Victoria Cross was awarded to Gorman whilst serving in the Second Opium War against China. After leaving the Navy in 1860, Gorman emigrated to Australia in 1863, settling in Sydney finding employment in 1867 as drill master and gunnery instructor on the Nautical School Ship Vernon. In 1881 he transferred to the Ordinance Department as foreman of the magazine on Spectacle Island, the location of Australia's first official Naval Stores Complex. He died in 1882 at the age of 47 and is buried in Balmain Cemetery.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified