Rare pair of Royal Navy HMS Nelson 32 or 24 Pounder Cannon Tampion Plugs (c.1814)

(To be sold individually- ONE SOLD, ONLY ONE LEFT!)

HMS Nelson was a 126 gun first rate ship of the line of the RN, launched at Woolwich in 1814 in the presence of Emperor Alexander of Russia, the King of Prussia and Marshal Blucher, who was to gain renown at the Battle of Waterloo in the following year.

Nelson was the first three decker to be launched in England after the victory at Trafalgar and for this reason was named after the naval hero.

She was fitted with thirty-two 32 pounders on the lower gun deck, thirty-four 24 pounders on the middle gun deck, thirty-four 18 pounders on the main deck, six 12 pounders plus ten 23- pounder carronades on the quarter deck, and two 12-pounders plus two 32-pounder carronades on the forecastle.

However, even before she was completed, Nelson represented a type of man-of-war whose days as a fighting ship were drawing to a close, especially with the advent of the age of iron and steam. So in 1854 Nelson was chosen among several ships of similar type for conversion to an auxiliary steam vessel. She was cut down to a two- decker, lengthened and fitted with a steam engine driving a single screw. At the same time the main armament was reduced to forty-six guns. Conversion was completed in 1859-60

After a long spell in Australia and service career, which included many modifications, she was eventually dismantled in Shag Bay, Hobart in 1920.

Each of these cannon tampions is in fine fettle and totally original. The badges or crests are cast in lead and have Lord Nelson’s battle honours “Nile, Copenhagen & Trafaglar” listed below the crossed cannons & balls, fouled anchor, ensign and crowned central motif.

Overall, they both measure 9” in diameter to the front with a 5.25” diameter to the plug x 7”H, both of the aged timber parts have bags of worn patina, ancient worm trails but are incredibly solid. Both badges are in great condition and have been cleaned to reveal the details of the crest. (See last comparison photo)

This is a once in a lifetime chance to own an artefact of early 19thC Nelson Naval history!

£1995 each

Local delivery, U.K & international shipping available with collections welcome too

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