British Singles

Lot 4811    Session 15 ( 7.30pm Thursday 20th November)    British Singles

Estimate $2,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $4,000

NAVAL GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL 1793-1840, - clasp - Endymion Wh President. John Green. Impressed. No ribbon, good very fine.

Ex J. and J. Edwards Collection.

Confirmed on medal roll for this clasp as a volunteer on Endymion. Only 58 of this clasp issued.

HMS Endymion was a 40-gun fifth rate that served in the French Revolutionary Wars, the Napoleonic Wars, the War of 1812 and during the First Opium War. She was built to the lines of the French prize Pomone captured in 1794. She was the lead ship of her class of six 24-pounder frigates. She was famous for her duel with USS President on 15 January 1815, in which she caught the American frigate and forced her to strike, which led to the President's final capture some hours later. Apart from this, Endymion was known as the fastest sailing-ship in the Royal Navy during the Age of Sail, logging 14.4 knots (26.7 km/h) running.

Handwritten statement by John George Green included with lot reads, 'I joined the Royal Navy on board H.M.S. Endymion as a Midshipman on the 8th of July 1813 and was in America during the last War, was in several Actions and have received a medal from our Most Gracious Sovereign Queen Victoria for a brave conduct. Was also at the capture of the United States Frigate "President" in 1815, was paid off in that year. I hold a Certificate of good conduct from Capt Henry Hope, now Admiral Sir Henry Hope. I then joined H.M.S. "Superb" as Midshipman on the 1st October 1815 and left on my own account on the 9th September 1816.'

With medal photos and research.