~ Nelson’s Flagship HMS Foudroyant Copper Salver Circa 1897 ~
A copper plate commemorating HMS Foudroyant, one of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson’s flagships (1799 to 1801). It was made from the copper hull plates from Foudroyant.
The salver is engraved to the front with a large anchor, scrolls and rope detailing. The scrolls read: “Nelson’s Flagship Foudroyant, 1798-1897, Launched Plymouth, Wrecked Blackpool”.
~ Dimensions ~
The plate has a diameter of 12 inches (30cm). It weighs 352g.
~ Condition ~
The plate is quite discoloured and has some tarnishing.
The rim is a little warped in places but the rest of the plate is sound with no dents. The engraving is quite worn and the text is rather difficult to read.
~ H.M.S. Foudroyant ~
HMS Foudroyant was an 80-gun third rate of the Royal Navy. It was built in the dockyard at Plymouth Dock (aka Devonport) and launched on 31 March 1798. Foudroyant served Nelson as his flagship from 6 June 1799 until the end of June 1801.
On 16 June 1897 during a violent storm she went ashore on Blackpool Sands, damaging Blackpool North Pier in the process.
After vain attempts to refloat her, her guns were removed and she was sold for ₤200. She finally broke up in the December gales.