Medal for the Battle of the Nile
Duncan Evans casts his eye over a commemorative medal awarded in 1798 to those who took part in the famous sea battle
Duncan Evans casts his eye over a commemorative medal awarded in various grades, in 1798, to those who took part in the famous sea battle.
The Battle of Aboukir Bay, better known as the Battle of the Nile, was a pivotal sea clash between British and French forces in the Napoleonic Wars. It was Lord Nelson’ most stunning victory that resulted in cutting off Napoleon’s land forces which were intent on capturing Egypt. It led to French defeat at the Battle of Acre, a year later in 1799, and the Napoleon abandoning Egypt altogether. Two French ships of the line, including the flagship L’Orient, and two frigates were sunk while nine other ships of the line were captured. Nelson’s prize agent, Alexander Davison, flush with the profits from the capture, decided to issue a medal to commemorate the battle. It was awarded in various grades to all those who took part in the pivotal sea battle with the Gold version going to Vice-Admiral Nelson and his Captains, the Silver version to Lieutenants and Warrant Officers, the Gilt-Bronze version to Petty Officers and the Bronze (also referred to as copper) version to the remaining ratings and marines.
The medal is 47mm in diameter and was originally issued without a suspender, however many recipients added a ring enabling it to be worn. In these cases the ribbon was usually the Navy ribbon, being 32mm wide and deep navy blue in colour.
The obverse features the figure representing Peace, stood on a rock surrounded by the sea, with an olive branch in her right hand and a large medallion featuring Nelson in her left. The medallion features the words, ‘EUROPE’S HOPE AND BRITAIN’S GLORY’. Behind the figure is an anchor, also on the rock. Around the circumference are the words, ‘REARADMIRAL LORD NELSON OF THE NILE’.
On the reverse is the British fleet going into action at Aboukir Bay, with the French fleet at anchor. Around the top edge is the legend, ‘ALMIGHTY GOD HAS BLESSED HIS MAJETY’S ARMS’ while at the bottom it says, “VICTORY OF THE NILE AUGUST 1, 1798’. Above this, in very small lettering it says, to the left,’M.B. SOHO’ and to the right is the designer’s name, ‘C.H. KUCHLER. FEC’. Around the edge is inscribed a message from Davison himself, reading, ‘A TRIBUTE OF REGARD FROM ALEXr DAVISON, ESQR. ST. JAMES’ SQUARE’.
VALUES
The prices listed are for unnamed examples as ones with contemporary inscriptions go for twice as much. The one issued to Lord Nelson himself was stolen, and is believed to have been melted down.
Gold: £8,000-£10,000 Silver: £1,500-£2,000 Gilt bronze: £550-£650 Bronze: £300-£400 ■