Images(2)

Nelson centenary advertisement

Maker British and Foreign Sailors' Society

Date1905

Object numberV00008799

NameAdvertisement

MediumPaper, ink

DimensionsOverall: 175 x 242 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis advertisement was distributed by the British and Foreign Sailors' Society, advertising the Nelson Centenary Memorial Fund to sell mementoes made from copper from Nelson's ships HMS VICTORY and HMS FOUDROYANT. It features illustrations of the mementoes for sale: charms, medallions, brooches, plaques, shields and a bust of Nelson himself. They ranged in price from 1/- (one shilling) to £50.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; circular plaques (see 00008798) featuring HMS VICTORY sold for £10.10/- (ten guineas). 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 market implied in the brochure 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. SignificanceThis advertisement offers an insight into the types of mementoes offered to the general public during the 1905 centenary celebrations, marking the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Nelson.