A 20thC CASKET MADE FROM THE TIMBER OF LORD NELSON'S HMS VICTORY, ENGLAND c.1920
A rare casket made from salvaged timber from HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1802. HMS Victory was launched in 1765 and is the oldest naval ship still in commission with over 250 years’ service. In fought in many battles (Trafalgar being the most famous) and in 1921 the ship was in a very poor state. A public Save the Victory campaign was started, with shipping magnate Sir James Caird as a major contributor. On 12 January 1922, her condition was so poor that she would no longer stay afloat, and had to be moved into No. 2 dock at Portsmouth, the oldest dry dock in the world still in use. A naval survey revealed that between a third and a half of her internal fittings required replacement. Her steering equipment had also been removed or destroyed, along with most of her furnishings. The restoration period lasted seven years, from 1922 to 1929 and it is during this period that this small casket was constructed. A wonderful memento of one of the most historic ships ever constructed.
Reference Number: B7470TW
DESCRIPTION
A rare casket made from salvaged timber from HMS Victory, Lord Nelson’s flagship in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1802. HMS Victory was launched in 1765 and is the oldest naval ship still in commission with over 250 years’ service. In fought in many battles (Trafalgar being the most famous) and in 1921 the ship was in a very poor state. A public Save the Victory campaign was started, with shipping magnate Sir James Caird as a major contributor. On 12 January 1922, her condition was so poor that she would no longer stay afloat, and had to be moved into No. 2 dock at Portsmouth, the oldest dry dock in the world still in use. A naval survey revealed that between a third and a half of her internal fittings required replacement. Her steering equipment had also been removed or destroyed, along with most of her furnishings. The restoration period lasted seven years, from 1922 to 1929 and it is during this period that this small casket was constructed. A wonderful memento of one of the most historic ships ever constructed.
CONDITION
In Good condition - wear consistent with age, some staining and wear consistent with normal use, lacking key
SIZE
Height: 7.8cm
Width: 25cm
Depth: 11.5cm
