Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 26002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 92

The Naval General Service Medal awarded to Ordinary Seaman J. Guest, Royal Navy, who participated in the famous frigate battle between H.M.S. Endymion and U.S.S. President on 14 January 1815, one of the last major naval engagements of the War of 1812 and which led to the celebrated capture of that latter vessel, and was the last action for which a Gold Medal was awarded

Naval General Service 1793-1840, 1 clasp, Endymion Wh. President (Joseph Guest.), edge bruise, very fine

Provenance:
Cheylesmore Collection, July 1930 (£9-0-0).
Spink, March 1995.

Just 58 clasps issued for 'Endymion Wh. President'. A unique name upon the published rolls.

The Endymion frigate - rated at 40 guns but carrying 48, Captain H. Hope, at the beginning of the year 1815 - formed part of a squadron which was watching the port of New York, where an American squadron was lying ready for sea. On 14 January, the American 50-gun frigate President, Commodore Decatur, taking advantage of a storm which blew the blockading ships off the coast, came out and set sail for the West Indies. The next morning she was observed by the British, who gave chase and the Endymion being the fastest sailing ship of the squadron, after a pursuit of 12 hours brought the President to action.

An engagement lasting two and a half hours followed when the Endymion, much damaged in her sails and rigging, dropped astern to repair damages, and the American, with her hull pierced and shattered, continued her flight. Just as the Endymion, who had bent new sails and repaired her rigging, had come up again and was about to renew the action, the Pomona frigate under the command of Captain Lumley arrived within gunshot and fired a broadside or two at President; she at once surrendered. Her masts and rigging were much injured, several of her guns disabled, and she had six feet of water in her hold when Captain Hope took possession of her. Nearly 100 of her crew were killed and wounded; the loss of the Endymion was 11 killed and 14 wounded.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Estimate
£10,000 to £14,000

Starting price
£9500