A RARE PRESENTATION SALVER COMMEMORATING THE LAUNCH OF H.M.S. CAPTAIN, 1743

engraved with the Royal coat-of-arms, and inscribed At Ye Launching of His Majesty's Ship The Captain, A Third Rate of 70 Guns, 1230 tuns, the 14 of April 1743. Built by Mr John Holland at Woolwich, the reverse with London hallmarks for 1742 -- 7¼in. (18.5cm.) wide; 240g

Provenance - A tankard with identical engraving made by Thomas Farren is held within the national collection at Greenwich, Object ID No. PLT0208.

Captain was one of twelve Third Rates of 70 guns built to the 1733 Establishment. With Britain being simultaneously drawn into the Wars of Austrian Succession and Jenkins' Ear, ships were in pressing need and she was commissioned immediately at a fitted cost of £26, 065.11.8d. She had several commanders in quick succession, but her first was John Byng (executed 1757). Capt. Legge took command in 1744 and as part of Norris's Channel Squadron captured the privateers Le Faucon and Le Grand Turk 1744-5 as well as sparring with larger warships. Serving mainly off Biscay and Finisterre, after a refit she had a long spell in American and Canadian waters where she captured the supply ship Le Foudroyant. By 1774 she was showing her age and was converted to a 30-gun storeship and renamed Buffalo. However, she had a belated flourish to her career and was raised to 50-guns and established as a 4th Rate for service as flagship in the Downs. Coppered in 1780 for use as guard ship at Portsmouth, she took part at the Battle of Dogger Bank a year later, and was also at Howe’s Relief of Gibraltar in 1782. Worn out, she was paid off and broken up at Woolwich in 1783, forty years after she was launched there.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition, engraving worn but legible, retains strong hallmarks.

We are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of this property. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Charles Miller Ltd is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD “AS IS” IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE.