A Trafalgar-related gold memorial ring for John Scott,, 1805

The gold band with black enamel dedications, inscribed 'FELL IN HIS COUNTRY'S CAUSE AT THE BATTLE OF TRAFALGAR OCT 21 1805 J:SCOTT ESQ:AET:41', London hallmark, ring size approx. P½

John Scott (1764-1805) served as Purser and was Nelson's trusted principal secretary on HMS Victory, dealing with the majority of his public correspondence. He was a close friend of both Nelson and Emma Hamilton, and spent time with them at Merton Place during the summer of 1805. Scott was famously by Nelson's side at Trafalgar, stationed on the quarter deck of the Victory, when he became the first officer to be killed in the battle. Nelson took his own fatal shot whilst standing in almost the same spot an hour or so later and it is thought that the blood that can still be seen staining his uniform (now held in the National Maritime Museum) is that of Scott.

Provenance:
The family of John Scott, gifted to Thomas Masterson Hardy; thence by descent within the Hardy family