The Battle of the Nile

CNG 85, Lot: 1604. Estimate $500. Sold for $1600. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

HANOVER. Horatio Nelson. 1758-1805. Æ Medal (47mm, 39.58 g, 12h). Battle of the Nile. By C. H. Küchler. Dated 1798. REAR-ADMIRAL LORD NELSON OF THE NILE, Hope standing facing on rocky promontory, head left, holding olive branch and shield bearing bust of Horatio Nelson left, in military regalia and inscribed EUROPE’S HOPE AND BRITAIN’S GLORY; anchor to right / ALMIGHTY GOD HAS BLESSED HIS MAJESTY’S ARMS., British fleet assembled in Aboukir Bay, preparing to engage the French; M.B.SOBO and C.H.KUCHLER.FEC. below; VICTORY OF THE NILE/AUGUST 1.1798. in two lines in exergue / Edge: A TRIBUTE OF REGARD. FROM ALEXR. DAVISON ESQR. ST. JAMES’S SQUARE. BHM 447; Eimer 890. EF, brown surfaces.

From a California Collection of British Historical Medals.

Following Napoleon’s attack on Egypt in July 1798, Horatio Nelson’s British fleet pursued closely, cornering the former’s forces in Aboukir Bay. Lasting the entire night, the battle was a decisive victory for Nelson and Britain, giving complete command of the Mediterranean to the British and cutting off Napoleon from France. As a result of these military successes, Nelson was created Baron Nelson of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe.