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A Bateman Lord Nelson Battle of Trafalgar Silver Tankard 1805-1820

$5,000List Price

About the Item

George IV Commemorative Silver Tankard Memorializing Over 200 Years of Lord Nelson's Trafalgar Victory in 1805 Presented is a beautifully made English silver tankard made by William Bateman I (1774-1850). Wm. Bateman I was the grandson of the famous English female silversmith, Hester Bateman (1708-1794), who was the matriarch of what was to become a large family working in this trade. The design of this tankard closely follows one of Hester's with the distinctive handle, and a floral arrangement intertwined with vines, and a distinctive pierced lifting handle for the cover. The outer rim is inscribed "This to the memory of the Immortal Nelson Trafalgar 21st Oct 1805" and on the front the initials, "JMR" in script. It has a few small dents and signs of handling, but nothing noteworthy. SIGNIFICANCE OF INSCRIPTION: This tankard and others were used at the annual Trafalgar Night dinners that were held around the world to make the traditional toast, "The Immortal Memory". The toast was first given in 1811, and Emma Hamilton used the expression at a dinner to commemorate the Battle of the Nile in 1813. The full version, "To the immortal Memory of Nelson and those who fell with him" was delivered by Captain Pasco, Captain of the HMS Victory, and flag lieutenant to Nelson at Trafalgar. Given at the Trafalgar Night dinner on board the Victory at Portsmouth in 1846. MAKER'S MARKS: On the front lip of the cover; WB, Lion Passant, Tax Stamp, London year "e" 1820. On the bottom; Lion Passant, WB, Tax Stamp, London year "e" 1820. also informally G-E and some scratched notations. RECENT PROVENANCE: From the estate of an old line American antique dealer's personal English silver collection, and then to us. Prior British ownership unknown. SPECIFICATIONS: 8 1/2” tall by 7" wide 5" deep. It is made from 840 grams or 27 Troy ounces or 1 3/4 pounds of Sterling Silver. Lord Nelson shortly before the Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 Lord Nelson was Britain's greatest naval commanders. He had a long and distinguished career, in which he gained a reputation as a master tactiton and great personal bravery. His crowning moment came at the Battle of Trafalgar, where Britain's decisive victory over Napoleon's fleet ended the threat of a French invasion. Nelson was born in 1758 in Burnham Thopre, Norfolk, the sixth of 11 children. At the age of 12, he joined the navy as an apprentice working in the lowest naval ranks. However, his aptitude and enthusiasm for the job, saw him rapidly rise through the ranks, until he was given his own ship and made a captain at only 20 years old. His first service was in the West Indies, where he was involved in managing Britain's commercial interests. However, after the US Revolutionary Wars ende, there were cutbacks to the navy and Horatio found himself out of work and surviving on half pay. He returned to England with his wife, Frances Nesbet. However, later the French Revolution saw Nelson engaged in battle around the Mediterranean. He achieved notable victories against the Spanish at Cape Vincent 1797 and the Battle of Copenhagen (1801). Nelson was given a command to withdraw at the Battle of Copenhagen, he ignored the command putting his telescope to his blind eye and pretending not to see. His boldness paid off with his persistence gaining victory. Nelson was a complex character, at a time when navy discipline was often extremely severe, he was said to have had empathy and love for his men - he didn't adopt an overly authoritarian manner. His men definitely responded to his courage and confidence. But, he was also vain and loved to be flattered and receive praise. He had a great need for attention and was often bedevilled by insecurities. However, he was admired as a leader and had a very strong sense of duty to his country. Although he was married to Nevis, in Naples, he fell in love, with Lady Emma Hamilton. Despite both their marriages, they continued a long love affair, and had one child out of wedlock. Nelson considered Emma to be his true soul-mate. By 1801, Nelson's prowess and led him to be appointed a vice-admiral and he became increasingly engaged in the Napoleonic wars with France. In 1805, Napoleon's reach extended across France, and Britain was at real threat of invasion. However, under Nelson's command, France was defeated and the threat of invasion receded. However, the victory cost Nelson his life - dying in battle. After being shot he said: "Hardy, I do believe they have done it at last… my backbone is shot through." After been taken below deck, he knew he would die. Shortly before his death, he was heard to murmur - 'Thank God I have done my duty' . This death in victory made Nelson a huge symbol of national pride and he was given a full state funeral. Nelson's column was later erected in his honour. On hearing of Nelson's death, despite a famous victory, King George III is said to have burst into tears saying. "We do not know whether we should mourn or rejoice. The country has gained the most splendid and decisive Victory that has ever graced the naval annals of England; but it has been dearly purchased." Citation : Pettinger, Tejvan. "Biography of Lord Nelson", Oxford, www.biographyonline.net, 7th Sept. 2012

Dimensions:
Height: 8.5 in (21.59 cm)Diameter: 5 in (12.7 cm)
Place of Origin:
United Kingdom
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1820
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Expect only the normal signs of handling and the added notations on the bottom described under markings.
Seller Location:
Palm City, FL
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU9257785870

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