Classical Numismatic Group, LLC
Keystone Auction 7 6 Jul 2022
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The Wreck of the Foudroyant. CU Medal (38mm, 28.88 g, 12h). Struck in Birmingham for R. Fletcher. Dated 1789, 1798, and 16 June 1897. ·:· HORATIO. VISCOUNT NELSON ·:·, uniformed bust facing slightly left, wearing tricorne decorated with diamond aigrette; in two lines in exergue, BORN, 29th SEPTEMBER, 1758/DIED, 21st OCTOBER, 1805 / "FOUDROYANT," LORD NELSON'S "FLAGSHIP.", the Foudroyant under sail left on water; in exegue, COMMENCED BUILDING 1789/ LAUNCHED AT PLYMOUTH APRIL 1798/ WRECKED AT BLACKPOOL/ JUNE 16th 1897/ MEDAL STRUCK FORM COPPER OF VESSEL AFTER BREAKING UP. Hardy 107; BHM 3613; Eimer 1813. Red surfaces. EF. Struck from copper salvaged from the wreck.
From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.
The HMS Foudroyant was an 80-gun third rate ship of the line that was launched and put into service in 1798. She later served as the flagship for numerous admirals, including Nelson, and took part in numerous smaller ship actions and skirmishes, but never participated in any major fleet battles. As the 19th century progressed, the Foudroyant was converted into a guard and training ship. She was destined to be broken up in the 1890s, but popular outcry led to her being bought and used as a training vessel and exhibition ship. When visiting Blackpool for an exhibition tour on June 16th 1897, a terrible storm struck and the ship was wrecked on the coast. Efforts to float her failed and eventually she was sold off for a mere 200 pounds after her guns were removed. Wood from the wreck was sold and used to make popular furniture, the bell was taken for the Blackpool Town Hall, and the copper that sheathed the hull of the ship was used to make medals that were then sold off to the general public.
From the J. Eric Engstrom Collection.
The HMS Foudroyant was an 80-gun third rate ship of the line that was launched and put into service in 1798. She later served as the flagship for numerous admirals, including Nelson, and took part in numerous smaller ship actions and skirmishes, but never participated in any major fleet battles. As the 19th century progressed, the Foudroyant was converted into a guard and training ship. She was destined to be broken up in the 1890s, but popular outcry led to her being bought and used as a training vessel and exhibition ship. When visiting Blackpool for an exhibition tour on June 16th 1897, a terrible storm struck and the ship was wrecked on the coast. Efforts to float her failed and eventually she was sold off for a mere 200 pounds after her guns were removed. Wood from the wreck was sold and used to make popular furniture, the bell was taken for the Blackpool Town Hall, and the copper that sheathed the hull of the ship was used to make medals that were then sold off to the general public.