Nelson's VICTORY - Presented by the British & Foreign Sailors' Society containing VICTORY copper from Lords of Admiralty

Maker British and Foreign Sailors' Society

Date1905

Object number00008798

NameTray

MediumCopper

DimensionsOverall: 305 x 305 x 305 mm, 0.5 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

United Kingdom

DescriptionThe centenary of the death of Admiral Lord Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805 was widely celebrated throughout the British Empire and Dominions. A range of Nelson mementoes were advertised by the British and Foreign Sailors' Society under the patronage of King Edward VII. This circular plaque featuring HMS VICTORY - Nelson's flagship - was made from copper from the VICTORY, left over from the repairs made after Trafalgar.HistoryIn 1905 the British & Foreign Sailors' Society (BFSS) was instrumental in the program of events for the Nelson Centennial. A fund was set up known as The Nelson Centenary Memorial Fund and the King (Edward VII), who took a great interest in the Society, allowed his initials, E.R. VII, to be stamped on the souvenirs. The subscribers to the fund were able to buy medals and badges, amongst other items, for the donations and collections. The larger medals/badges were sold for 5/- (five shillings) and upwards, the small VICTORY charm to everyone sending 1/- (one shilling) and upwards. Provision was also made for a VICTORY Shield (for £5.5/- (five guineas) for schools to award annually to a boy or girl for success. Copper was also used to make Nelson busts, which were available for donations of £50. The remaining copper from HMS FOUDROYANT was also acquired and used to provide HMS VICTORY souvenirs for the boys and girls of the Empire. [Source Oldcopper.org]. Much of the VICTORY oak and copper came from repairs made after an accident when, in 1903, the battleship NEPTUNE was being towed out of Portsmouth Harbour to be scrapped; it broke free of her tow ropes and rammed VICTORY. The bronze plaque featured here sold for £10.10/- (ten guineas). The market implied in the brochure (see 00008799 & 00008800) was institutional: schools, libraries and city authorities. The smaller, cheaper items such as charms, brooches and medallions were almost certainly aimed at school children. Proceeds from the sale went towards a special fund supporting the Society's work. SignificanceThe value of this Nelson memento lies in the evidence it constitutes of the bonds of Empire in the early years of Australian Federation and the patriotism it perpetuated.