A fine George III Freedom Box, presented to The Hon. Thomas ...

Hammer

€7,000

A fine George III Freedom Box, presented to The Hon. Thomas Packenham for 'Brave and spirited conduct upon all occasions particularly on the glorious 1st June 1794,' of octagonal form, the flush-hinged cover engraved with armorials within a dog-tooth border, the base bearing a presentation inscription, 3 1/4" wide, marked 'on base, cover, and side, by Alexander Ticknell, Dublin, 1797, approx. 4 ozs., c. 8.5 cms long x 5.5cms wide.* The Arms are those of the Corporation of Cooks and the Guild of St. James, Dublin.The Hon. Sir Thomas Packenham (1757 - 1836) joined the Navy in 1771. Ten years later his ship was captured in a two-ship action against the Dutch near Gibraltar, but at once retaken. His crippled ship was attached by the French on the way home, but Packenham refused to take up his command saying that his commission had been cancelled on his surrender. His career prospered despite being court-martialled for the loss of his ship, and he commanded 'Invincible' at the 'Glorious 1st of June' where the British under Lord Howe scattered a French fleet of similar size. Seven ships were captured, including 'Lejuste'; the King personally met the fleet on its return and subsequently Howe received the Garter and many other officers were lavishly rewarded. (1)