A rare Nelson Testimonial Medal 1844 as presented to eligible in-pensioners of Greenwich Hospital to commemorate the opening of the Nelson Testimonial in Trafalgar Square on 21st October 1844.
Nelson Testimonial Medal 1844, by E. Avern, obv. bust of Nelson facing left, enclosed by a garter, ‘England Expects Every Man Will do His Duty’; rev. View of the Column in Trafalgar Square, with the National Gallery and the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in the background, ‘To Commemorate the Opening of the Nelson Testimonial in Trafalgar Squ.’; exergue, ‘21 October 1844’, 60mm., pewter, pierced for ring suspension, ref. Hardy 97, M.H.53
Condition: Very Fine
Provenance: Ex Jason Pilalas Collection.
The ‘Gentlemen of the Parish of St. Martins’ had raised a subscription for the purpose of giving a dinner to veteran sailors on the occasion of the ceremonial opening of Nelson’s Column. Unsuccessful in this regard, the fund was instead used to strike a commemorative medal to be awarded to the veterans together with a gratuity of 10 shillings. The medal was duly struck and presented on 2 April 1845 to eligible In-pensioners of Greenwich Hospital; being awarded to 39 who had served at Cape St. Vincent, 35 at the Nile, 45 at Copenhagen and 238 at Trafalgar. A total of 357 awards. Milford Haven states that the medals were struck for presentation to the Royal Marine guard-of-honour who were present at the ceremonial opening of the monument but this is unsubstantiated,
