E1083

Presentation sword Long Caption: After the Battle of the Nile, Nelson’s captains inaugurated the Egyptian or Crocodile Club and voted to present Nelson with a sword as a token of their esteem. They then had cheaper copies of the sword made for themselves of which this is probably one. It is inscribed ‘VICTORY of the NILE 1st August 1798’. The grip and pommel are formed into the shape of a crocodile and the enamel on the obverse of the grip shows ships of the line in action. The blade is of diamond section and ornamented in blue and gold. The original Nile sword owned by Nelson was passed down the family after his death. At some time the sword was dismounted and the hilt was stolen (with Nelson’s medals) from the Painted Hall, Greenwich on the night of 8-9 December 1900. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Greenwich Hospital Collection Object: WPN1094 Artist: Rundell & Bridge Date: 1798 Medium: gilt; enamel; steel; leather Size: hilt: 178 mm; grip: 114 mm; 787 mm x 32 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.