AN HISTORICALLY INTERESTING SILVER GILT FREEDOM CASKET PRESENTED TO ADMIRAL LORD CHARLES BERESFORD, 1912

elaborately embellished overall, the lid with enamel portrait of Beresford surmounted with the naval crown and flanked with enamelled union flags, fouled anchors and models of his bulldog and a bull, with coat-of-arms to front; the casket with the borough's coat-of-arms flanked by enamelled plaques of H.M.S. Condor bombarding Alexandria in 1882; and the Channel flagship H.M.S. King Edward VII, the reverse with plaques for Nevill Hall and Abergavenny Town Hall and presentation inscription dated 19th April 1912; the silk-lined compartment containing silk-backed illuminated vellum scroll, Birmingham hallmarks for Vaughton's, 1911; secured to raised plush plinth, overall measurements --13 x 18 x 10in. (33 x 45.5 x 25.5cm.)

Admiral Lord Charles Poer Beresford (1846-1919) was a colourful and highly popular admiral whom the British public who affectionately called 'Charlie B'. He won their devotion early on in the Egyptian campaign of 1882 when, in command of the gunboat Condor he took his ship inshore to bombard the batteries with great effect (seen in the left-hand panel of this casket). The flagships signal "Well Done Condor" reverberated around the fleet and sealed Beresford's reputation. The latter part of his career, however, was spent in a bitter feud with Sir John ('Jackie') Fisher whose modernising reforms were to prove essential to the RN's success in World War One but who also prevented Beresford from attaining the longed-for rank of First Sea Lord. In 1907 he took command of the Channel Fleet where he "lived with great style" aboard the flagship H.M.S. King Edward VII (seen in the right-hand panel of this casket). He had dramatically fallen out with the King (then Prince of Wales) in 1891 over an affair with the Countess of Warwick which probably cemented the King's staunch defence of Jackie Fisher as they became firm friends and allies, much to Beresford's chagrin.

Condition Report

Fine overall condition, good enamels with no wear, left group of flags by lid portraits slightly loose. Velvet to wooden base faded in areas.

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.