Reference:5875 Admiral Sir Charles Napier, The Duke of Wellington and Impending War With Russia , 1854

Admiral Napier standing full-length on his quarter-deck, showing, behind, a thirty-two pounder.

Finely detailed starboard broadside view of the admiral's flagship, under top sails, topgallant sails, jib and spanker. THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON. Exergue: FLAG SHIP. A continuous ropework border.

By Allen & Moore.

Bronze. 44 mm.

Condition: Extremely Fine

Notes:

On the war with Russia becoming imminent in early 1854, a fleet of steanships, consisting of eight ships of the line and four frigates, under the command of Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier, sailed from Spithead for the Baltic on 11 March 1854. At Kjoge Bay on 4 April, Napier received news of the declaration of war, upon which he made the following, much criticized signal from his flagship, the Duke of Wellington: 'Lads, was is declared with a numerous and bold enemy. Should they meet us and offer battle, you know how to dispose of them. Should they remain in port, we must try and get at them: success depends on the quickness and precision of you firing. Also, lads, sharpen your cutlasses, and the day is yours.'

An attractive specimen of this rare and enigmatic medal, contained within its fitted case.