RECENT ACQUISITIONS - 29th March, 2021
Antique 19th Century large chest made from the oak salvaged from the Foudroyant, Lord Nelson’s flagship. The sides carved with lozenges and fleur de lys and lunette border to top, inscribed along bottom of the front panel 1798 Foudroyant 1898, hinged lid with copper maker’s label, the corner posts stamped ‘Oak’ Salved from the Wreck of Nelson’s Flagship ‘Foudroyant’. What is particularly charming about this chest is how the craftsmen have inserted pieces of the same wood (presumably also from the ship) in order to hide the holes whereby that particular section of wood would have been riveted or interlaced with other sections of wood; the flaws thus being its charm. Even the brass plaque is taken from parts salvaged from the Foudroyant.
Reference Number: B6853
