Detail of the sword of honour presented to Lord Nelson: 1798-1800
© Museum of London
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Detail of the sword of honour presented to Lord Nelson. The Corporation of London presented this jewelled and enamelled sword to Admiral Horatio Nelson together with the Freedom of the City of London in 1800. As the inscription reads, this was to mark 'Testimony of the high esteem they entertain of his Public Services and of the eminent advantages he has rendered his country'. The sword was made for a left-hand grip, as Nelson had lost his right arm at Santa Cruz, Tenerife in 1797. This detail shows the gold hilt which is cast and chased with wreaths of oak leaves on the pommel, and sprays of oak, palm and laurel on the shell. The centre shows a translucent blue plaque with a series of objects related with ships and the sea, among them a small anchor, a flag, and orientation instruments used at sea.
1798 AD - 1800 AD