Presentation Sword

Lloyd's Patriotic Fund £100 Trafalgar pattern presentation sword, the sword belonged to Captain J. Stockham (died 1814). The hilt of the sword consists of a gilt guard and pommel; the back-piece is made in the form of a lion's skin. The quillon is shaped like Roman fasces, and the guard meets this at right angles and is made in the form of a Hercules club. A snake is entwined around the club, and it is attached to a loop in the lion's mouth. The triangular langets form a rectangular plaque at the base of the grip, which is decorated with a group in relief depicting a cannon, anchor and trident, decorated on the grip beneath this group is a floral pendant. The polished steel blade is damascened in blue and gold. The blade is decorated with a seated Victory, with a wreath and palm, rose, thistle and shamrock motif. A crown supports the monogram 'GR' and is contained within a wreath and palm branch. With further decoration depicting a seated Britannia, a standing Hercules along with dolphins and sea monsters. The blade is inscribed with the words 'From the Patriotic Fund at Lloyds to John Stockham, Esq, Captn of HMS Thunderer for his meritorious services in contributing to the signal Victory obtained over the combined fleets of France and Spain off Cape Trafalgar on the 21st October 1805'. The sword comes complete with a scabbard.

John Stockham was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on the 29th April 1797, to the ranks of Captain on the 25th December 1805 and he died in 1814. He was serving as First Lieutenant on 'Thunderer' 74 guns, when his Captain, Lechmere was ordered home to act as a witness in the court martial of Sir Robert Calder. Stockham assumed command (acting) of 'Thunderer' and held that post at the Battle of Trafalgar. He distinguished himself in the action at the Battle of Trafalgar, and was promoted to the rank of Captain two months later. He was also awarded the Captain's Gold medal, which is held by the National Maritime Museum.