Canada, United States. A Civil War and Life Saving Group to Thomas Max

A Royal Canadian Humane Association Life Saving Medal, in bronze, reverse engraved “AWARDED To Tho’s May Conspicuous courage in rescuing JAMES BLACK from drowning in Niagara River 3rd January 1905”, measures 47.8 mm (w) x 56.2 mm (h - inclusive of the integral suspension, worn on an original blue ribbon with BRAVERY clasp and horizontal pin on the reverse, suspension clasp is loose and spins around medal, light contact marks to rim, dark patina, very fine. 

An Indian Wars Medal, in bronze, rim impressed 2190, eagle suspension with horizontal pin on the reverse, marked PAT MAY  4. 1886. JUNE 22 1886, measures 33.3 mm (w) 36.8 mm (h - inclusive of the suspension), worn on replacement ribbon, notable contact marks to the rim and exterior, remains in very fine condition. 

An Army and Union Membership Badge, in bronze, reverse plain, worn on original flag style ribbon with eagle brooch with horizontal, measures 38.6 mm (w) x 40.5mm (h), dark patina, light wear and fraying to ribbon, very fine. 

A US Army Sharpshooter’s Badge, in white metal, plain reverse, with SHARPSHOOTER clasp, horizontal pin on reverse, measures 29.8 mm (w) x 42 mm (h), dark patina, very fine. 

A National Indian War Veterans medal, in bronze gilt, reverse plain, worn on a large ribbon printed WINNERS OF THE WETS CAMP NO. 11 ST. JOSEPH, MO. with large VETERAN clasp, with horizontal pin, 43.9 mm (w) x 49.4 mm (h), ribbon is ripped (nearly severed), light ear remains very fine. 

A General George Custer button, metal with vertical pin and yellow ribbon tail with embroidered monogram, light wear, very fine. 

A newspaper clip depicting Thomas Max. 

Footnote: Thomas Max “Mr. May is the man who won a reputation for heroism in company with Robert Patterson at Niagara-on the Lake a few days ago. The two men at the risk of their lives rescued James Black of Youngstown, who had become fast in the ice of the river, Mr. May is a liveryman at Niagara-on-the-Lake and is well known in Buffalo. For ten years he served in the United States army receiving an honourable discharge at Fort Niagara several years ago.”

The Army and Navy Union of the United States of America is the oldest veterans' organization in America. It was conceived in 1841 and the concept came from nineteenth-century war fighting groups that had the same common interests. Its name changed over time from just a soldier's union to take account for all sailors and soldiers in all branches of the United States Armed Forces.

The Indian Wars Medal was awarded to members of the Army who served in any of the 12 different major campaigns against hostile Indians from 1865 to 1891.