The First and Largest Fleet Action Between Great Britain and the First French Republic

CNG 93, Lot: 1927. Estimate $1000. Sold for $1450. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

GREAT BRITAIN. Richard, Earl Howe, admiral. 1725-1799. AR Medal (57mm, 86.52 g, 12h). Commemorating the Glorious First of June (The Third Battle of Ushant). By W. Barnett. Dated 1794 in Roman numerals. RIC : COMES HOWE VICE-ADMIRALLUS ANGLIÆ &c, draped bust left in military attire / NON NOBIS SED PATRIÆ (not for us but rather for the nation), Neptune standing left in marine carriage pulled by two sea horses, his head right, pointing left toward sinking ships in background and presenting trident to Britannia seated left, resting arm upon Union shield and surrounded by cornucopia, lion, and banners; above, Fame flying right, inscribing upon obelisk the names of the flag officers who took part in the battle; MDCCXCIIII/1st JUNE in two lines in exergue. BHM 382; Eimer 854. Near EF, toned, a few light marks. Very rare.

Ex Christie’s (26 February 1980), lot 375.

Richard Howe, 1st Earl Howe (1726-1799), came from man illustrious military family with connections to the American colonies. His elder brother, George, 3rd Viscount Howe, was killed in a skirmish the day before the Battle of Fort Carillon (later renamed Ticonderoga) during the French and Indian War. Richard’s younger brother, William, 5th Viscount Howe, assisted in the capture of Quebec in 1759 under General James Wolfe. William commanded the British forces against the Americans at the Battle of Bunker Hill in 1775. Richard, too, was involved in the Seven Years’ War and in the American Revolution. As an officer in the Royal Navy, he helped to provide naval support against the French and, although sympathetic to the American colonists, helped in imposing naval blockades against New York City and Philadelphia.

Between the end of the American Revolution and the War of the First Coalition, Admiral Howe participated in the relief of Gibraltar and served as First Lord of the Admiralty. At the start of the War of the First Coalition (1793-1797), he was given command of the Channel fleet. On 1 June 1794, he commanded the first and largest fleet action between Great Britain and the First French Republic. Attempting to prevent a French grain convoy from America from reaching its destination, Howe engaged the French Atlantic Fleet at Ushant, delivering a severe tactical defeat on the French – who were the strategic winners, since the grain convoy made it safely to port. Once it had returned to port following the battle, the British fleet was treated to a royal visit from George III and the royal household, while in London, the celebration included the illumination of the entire city for three consecutive nights.