Lot 838: A Trio of British and Foreign Sailors Society Nelson Centenary Victory Copper Commemoratives
A trio of naval commemorative items produced by the British and Foreign Sailors Society to mark the 1905 centenary of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson. The group includes one shield-shaped badge and two circular medalets, all attached to a length of weathered green cord. These items were manufactured using copper salvaged from HMS Victory during her early 20th-century refit, a project authorised by the Lords of the Admiralty for charitable fundraising purposes.
The shield-shaped badge is cast in copper alloy and features a central circular medallion depicting HMS Victory under sail. The name VICTORY is inscribed vertically to the right of the vessel. The central image is surrounded by a decorative border of stylized acanthus leaves and scrolls.
The two circular medalets are identical and feature stamped inscriptions. The text reads FROM B.F.S.S. NELSON CENTENARY CONTAINING VICTORY COPPER E.R. VII. The abbreviation B.F.S.S. refers to the British and Foreign Sailors Society, and E.R. VII identifies the reigning monarch, King Edward VII.
Condition report:
The items exhibit an aged, dark patina consistent with high copper content and significant age. There is visible surface wear and oxidation across all metal surfaces, particularly to the raised details of the shield badge. The original green cord is heavily frayed, faded, and structurally weakened.
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