British, Original Large Bronze Nail from HMS Victory

*British, Original Large Bronze Nail from HMS Victory*

Removed from HMS Victory during restoration. 39.5cm long, 3.4cm diameter head.

HMS Victory, a 104-gun first-rate ship, commissioned by the Royal Navy in 1758, launched in 1765, and with 245 years of service by 2023, holds the title of the world's oldest active naval vessel. Notably, it served as Lord Nelson's flagship at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Transitioning to a harbor ship in 1824, Victory has been a museum ship in Portsmouth since 1922, also serving as the flagship of the First Sea Lord since October 2012. The construction involved 150 workers and 6,000 trees, predominantly oak, held together by six-foot copper bolts and treenails.

*Condition*
This is a fascinating piece of history. It has a wonderful aged patina and verdigris. Please see photographs aspart of the condition report.

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