Obverse: Engraved on a smooth surface, starboard broadside view of the barque-rigged steamer struck by heavy seas and almost on her beam ends. Reverse Inscription: 'Presented by the passengers of the S.S.City of Berlin for gallant conduct during the storm Nov. 29th 1878'. Fitted with a loop and ring.

The 'City of Berlin' 1874, Inman Line, left Queenstown for New York on the 15th November and arrived safely on the 26th of the same month. However the ship was caught in a major storm which swept down the US Atlantic coast the day before she left port for Liverpool on the 30th November. It was not uncommon for passengers to present items of plate to ship's officers in gratitude for a safe arrival after a rough passage.