Alexander Davison’s Medal for Trafalgar 1805, pewter, unnamed as issued, contained in its original copper-gilt frame with integral loop and original split ring for suspension, good very fine £2,000-£2,400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The James Fox Collection of Naval Awards.

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Collection

Trafalgar bi-Centenary Sale, Christie’s, October 2005 (Lot 63).

It is believed that copper-rimmed pewter medals commemorating Nelson and H.M.S. Victory (designed by T. Halliday) were hastily commissioned by Alexander Davison, Nelson’s Agent, for award to the crew of H.M.S. Victory who took part in the battle and were in London at the time of Nelson’s State Funeral, with the intention that Victory’s crew members would wear them during the funeral ceremonies and the great procession.

When Victory returned to England carrying Nelson’s body, most members of her crew volunteered to be brought to London to participate in the various memorial ceremonies which lasted for over five days, culminating in the great funeral procession through the streets from the Admiralty in Whitehall to St Paul’s Cathedral on 9 January 1806.