Lot 56
An early 19th century English cup and saucer
Auction: 29 September 2001 at 12:00 BST
Description
the oak leaf and acorn painted border on the saucer enclosing the Armorials of Vice Admiral Horatio, Viscount Nelson of the Nile, K.B; the cup with similar decoration and border with panels displaying honorofic medals and entwined with the Nelson motto (translated: "Let him bear the palm who has earned it")
6.5cm high
Footnote
The armorial bearings include elements allusive to incidents in Nelson's life and the honours accorded him. At the top of the shield is a crescent showing he was the second surviving son of his father. The medal hanging from the red riband inscribed TRIA JUNCTA IN UNO is for the Knighthood of the Bath for which he was nominated 27 May 1797. The pictorial upper third of the shield above the diagonal band charged with three exploding bombs were honourable augmentations added to Nelson's shield commemorating his celebrated Aboukir Bay Victory in August 1798. The naval crown ensigned by the diamond plume of triumph presented by Sultan Selim III and the palm branches held by the supporters of their augmentation.
The lower coronet surmounted by five fleurons is for the Dukedom of Bronte in Sicily awarded by Ferdinand IV of Naples and the Two Sicillies c1800.
The upper coronet surmounted by eight "pearls" symbolises the British Viscountcy granted on 22 May 1801.
This illustration of Nelson's arms is very accurate and complete in the highest late-Hanovarian artistic style.
Our thanks to John Allen of Henley-on-Thames for his assistance in identifying the Arms.