An English bronze model of a cannon
mid 19th century
Inscribed Relic of Royal George / Sunk / 1782 raised 1840.
height 5in (12.5cm); length 12in (30.5cm); width 7 1/2in (19cm)
Provenance:
With Shaker Square Antiques, Shaker Square, Ohio, 2004.
Property of a Prominent Ohio Collection.

Footnote:
HMS Royal George, the 7th British warship of this name, was a 100-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, built at Woolwich Dockyard and launched on 18 February 1756. At the time of launching she was the largest warship in the world. The Royal George saw service during the Seven Years’ War including being Admiral Sir Edward Hawke’s flagship at the Battle of Quiberon Bay and later taking part in the Battle of Cape St Vincent. She sank undergoing routine maintenance work while anchored off Portsmouth on 29 August 1782 because her lower gun ports were open allowing water to rush in as the guests moved to one side. There was loss of over 800 lives, one of the great disasters in British waters.

Six cannons were recovered in 1782 by divers. In 1839 and 1840, Major-General Charles Pasley of the Royal Engineers successfully recovered another twelve cannons and other items and raised what remained of the hull. Some of the bronze cannon were melted down to make the base to the Nelson’s Column and other relics were made from the timbers and cannons. The piece offered here is an example that was made from bronze of a cannon recovered from the wreck.

Nicely patinated. General marks, scratches, rubbing, softening to decorative detail, areas of verigris, toning and wear. Inscription to top of barrel rubbed.