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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 88

(x) The gold Mourning Ring struck in memory of Sailing Master J. Nankivell, who was killed in action whilst defending his packet vessel, the Princess Amelia, from attack by the American Privateer Rossie on 16 September 1812; Rossie was commanded by none other than Joshua Barney, who was shortly to make a name for himself in the operations around Chesapeake Bay and at the Battle of Bladensburg, where he was badly wounded

Mourning Ring, hallmarks for London 1812, inscription around the exterior reading: John Nankivell Who Fell Gallantly Defending The Princess Amelia Packet 16 Sep 1812 Aged 34, inscription rather worn but still legible, good fine

The British Post Office Packet Service ship Princess Amelia was launched in 1799 and operated out of Falmouth, Cornwall, carrying post and passengers to North America, the West Indies, Brazil, and the Mediterranean. Armed with four 6-pounders and two 9-pounders and with a crew of 27 men, she was on her way home to Falmouth from the West Indies when, on 16 September 1812, she encountered the American privateer Rossie, a schooner armed with 11 heavier guns and nearly four times as many crew and commanded by the veteran American officer Joshua Barney, who had seen service afloat since 1771. A running fight ensued and lasted over an hour, but when both of Princess Amelia's senior officers were killed (Isaac Moorsom and the aforementioned John Nankivell respectively), along with another man killed and 11 wounded, the survivors saw no option but to surrender. American casualties were seven men wounded, and Barney had his prize sent in to Savannah, Georgia, where she was renamed the U.S.S. Georgia (before being further renamed Troup) and saw out the rest of the war at Savannah.

Shortly after this action, Barney was promoted Captain in the U.S. Navy and commanded the Chesapeake Bay Flotilla and was present at the Battle of Bladensburg, where his sailors and marines fought bravely against superior numbers of British troops: the American captain was severely wounded by a musket ball penetrating deep into his thigh - a wound which contributed to his death in 1818 at the age of 59.

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

Estimate
£300 to £500

Starting price
£240