LOT 2183

Original Timber Removed from HMS Victory in 1888 with Provenance Letter

LETTER DATED 5TH JUNE 1888 A.D.

6 1/8 - 10 1/2 in. (141 grams total, 15.6-26.5 cm).

Irregular fragment of timber, supplied with a handwritten provenance letter with wax seal; the letter states: 'Parish of Sidlow Bures Manor. Know all men, and if ladies particularly, by these presents, that of the fifth day of April 1888 the undersigned Poulteney Bigelow did in the company with an officer of H.M Service secure the accompanying piece of timber belonging to the ever famous frigate Victory, the same that fought at Trafalgar and received the precious life blood of the immortal Nelson on the 21st of October 1805. This piece of timber was cut out of the Hull of the Victory while undergoing repairs on the dry dock of Portsmouth. It is herewith presented to Miss Mabel Nicholson as a precious heirloom for distant generations of such as may love liberty and cherish the memory of valiant men. Witness the annexed signature seal, Poulteney Bigelow, Bures Manor, June 5 1888.' [2]

From the collection of a Sussex noble lady, by descent from 1888, directly from the gifting of the item, as stated in the letter.

The HMS Victory underwent various refits throughout her long service, but a significant one occurred in 1888, when she was converted for use as a training ship. This refit included modifications to her structure and interior to accommodate her new role, although she was primarily preserved as a historic vessel. The hull and internal structures were reinforced to address wear and tear from years of service. The HMS Victory is currently the oldest British naval vessel still in commission, with 248 years of service as of 2026.