Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 81

(x) Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Trafalgar (Robert Aspinall), reverse neatly removed, polished and attractively enamelled to depict the officially-struck design, clasp field additionally enamelled with pin and catch fitting to reverse, naming somewhat removed around lower portion of letters but still legible, good fine

Robert Aspinall, a unique name on the published Roll, is confirmed with entitlement to this clasp. A Landsman aboard the 74-gun H.M.S. Conqueror, at the Battle of Trafalgar she was the fourth vessel in Admiral Nelson's own Weather Column and commanded by Captain Israel Pellew, brother of the famous Sir Edward Pellew. When, late in the battle, his captain of Marines took Admiral Villeneuve's surrender aboard the French Bucentaure, the Admiral asked to whom he had surrendered. The reply was "Captain Pellew of the Conqueror", to which Villeneuve responded: "I am glad to have struck to the fortunate Sir Edward Pellew." Politely corrected that Conqueror's commanding officer was Sir Edward's brother, the French Admiral is supposed to have exclaimed: "His brother? What, are there two of them? Helas! [Alas!]".

Despite her prominent position, Conqueror suffered few casualties during the action with only three men killed and nine wounded.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Estimate
£2,000 to £3,000

Starting price
£1600