Antique Rare 19th Century Carved Wood Ship Relic HMS Talavera British Maritime

When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.

Antique Rare 19th Century Carved Wood Ship Relic HMS Talavera British Maritime:
$1554.19

Antique Rare 19th Century Carved Wood Ship Relic HMS Talavera BritishMaritime History

This decorative and highly unusual LARGE commemorative relic oncebelonged on board the British Royal Navy sailing ship HMS Talavera. HMSTalavera was a British sailing ship built for the Royal Navy. The ship wasordered in 1814 and was originally going to be called HMS Thunderer, howeverthe name was changed in 1817 to honour the Duke of Wellington\'s victory at TheBattle of Talavera. The newly named ship was launched on the 15th October 1818.Sadly, the ship was destroyed in an enormous fire at Devonport dock, Plymouth,England on the 27th of September 1840. The fire started aboard the HMS Talaveraand spread quickly to the neighbouring ship HMS Imogene and much of theadjacent dockyard.

This acorn shaped curio was carved from a large block of wood with a topmoulding of black painted gesso. Acorns are synonymous with British oak, thesame British oak that was used for the construction of the British sailingfleet (after all it would take several thousand oak trees to build just oneship!) Lord Nelson is often commemorated in paintings, porcelain and medalswith a border of oak leaves and acorns.

The very attractive gold coloured hand painted lettering reads “A Relicof the unfortunate Talavera BURNT Sep 1841”. We are unsure why the year 1841 isshown rather than the actual date of the fire 1840; perhaps it was an error onthe painter\'s part, or perhaps he confused the date with the sinking of HMSRoyal George in 1841...we shall never know.

This much we do know. The September 27th 1840 Devenport Telegraph newspaperreport states that the \"HMS Talavera 72 guns and the HMS Minden 72 gunswere in dock being fitted as demonstration ships (refitted for fulfilling adeterrent role - a state of readiness being rigged, stowed and armed but not onan active commission at that time). HMS Imogene 28 guns was being fitted forcommission\". HMS Talavera was docked in the Royal Naval dock at Devonportand was unused for five weeks. We wonder if the Acorn was therefore stored in aship fitter\'s workshop, meaning it survived the fire. Alternatively the itemcould have been taken off the ship when it was docked for five weeks forrepairs and stored in the Adelaide Gallery which was housed next to HMSTalavera. Interestingly the Adelaide Gallery was devoted to the relics of the oldnavy of England, ships that had done their duty. This gallery housed acollection of ship figureheads, relics and trophies as well as 300 workman’stool chests. The Flag that Nelson flew at the Battle of Trafalgar was alsohoused in the Adelaide Gallery; many of the these priceless maritime items wereunfortunately lost in the blaze. Perhaps our Acorn was saved from the fire andthen painted a year after to commemorate a year of the ships passing, eitherway this is a one off fascinating item worthy of display.

Measuring: At widest point 6 2/8” (16 cm). Height approximately 7.75”(19.5 cm). Weight 1.22 KG

Condition: The item is in good condition for its vast age with awonderful patina. Of course there are some small surface flakes to the wood andsome small surface chips to the top moulding. As seen in our images, there is asplit that runs down one side of the acorn. Unfortunately this is due to thetop insertion of the top hangar. This crack is perfectly stable and thisfascinating item could easily be suspended from a chain ready for display. PLEASE note the items shown in the final image are shown for display purposes only and are NOT included in the listing.

SHIPPING: This item will be shipped for FREE via expedited courier tothe USA, Canada and mainland Europe ONLY. Customers from elsewhere in the worldwould be charged for shipping, please contact us beforehand to discuss. Pleasemake sure that you are up to date with your own countries import fees/ chargesas we do not cover these. All customers please also supply us with a contactphone number AT POINT OF PURCHASE as this is a requirement of the courier andyour countries customs agency.

This is an absolutely authentic one off 19th century nautical item thatis perfect for anyone who is interested in maritime history. It will make anexcellent conversation piece.

Item ID:10777