Original Item: One-of-a-Kind. This is a very nice silver plated brass Mutton Bone Holder, used to secure the joint when being carved, perhaps by the Ship’s Captain at an Officer’s dinner. Measuring 5″ tall, once in place these gave great purchase to the carver. It is marked on the side with a naval “Fouled Anchor” under Acheron, and is textured overall to aid in holding it securely. The handle for the screw clamp looks to have maker or hall markings, however we are not able to decipher them.
The H.M.S. Acheron was purchased by the Admiralty in 1803 and fitted as a bomb vessel to serve in the Mediterranean Sea off the French coast. On 4th of Feb 1805 she was leading a convoy from Malta to England with the sloop H.M.S Arrow. Acheron had an armament of eight 24 lb guns, and engaged the French frigate Hortense, which with 40 guns was more than a match for the smaller ship. After a battle the Acheron’s Captain struck his colors, and the French took the British crew as prisoners and removed the weapons. The Acheron was so badly damaged that the French burnt her, instead of pressing her into service.
Clearly an Officer’s personal item which somehow made it off the ship before it was burned. Ready to display!