Commemorative Brooch by Edmund Johnson, in 18ct Gold with It's Original Case

Commemorative brooch by Edmund Johnson Ltd of Dublin, in 18ct gold with its original fitted case. Designed in the form of an anchor, set with a commemorative medallion with portrait of “Admiral Lord Nelson, born 9th September 1758”, the anchor with twisted rope decoration, in 18ct gold signed Johnson Ltd Dublin, length 5.3cm. Edmund Johnson was the leading goldsmith and silversmith in Dublin from the late 19th century and into the 20th century. He was based in premises in the Grafton Street and Wicklow Street areas. In 1905 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Trafalgar, the British cigarette manufacturer Wills released a series of Nelson commemorative cigarette cards. Number 12 in this series was the Sailor’s Charm. This charm is virtually identical to the present piece but executed in simple brass. On the back the text reads: ‘A simple charm of this description was very popular amongst sailors during the warfare waged against France and Napoleon. This particular charm consists of a brass anchor, bronzed and gilt, to which is attached a small medal bearing a bust of Lord Nelson. The presence of the medal, and its subject, indicate very clearly the love borne to Nelson by those who served with him’ In an 1898 article in the Graphic, published on the 22nd of October of that year, reference is made to the collection of Nelson memorabilia in the Nelson Room at Trafalgar Park, the Nelson family’s seat in Hampshire. Amongst the items mentioned is ‘a sailor’s charm bearing Nelson’s effigy and name’ and it is probably this piece that formed the source of the Wills illustration. Our piece was almost certainly produced c.1905 as a luxurious interpretation of this charm for a new generation and is a very interesting piece of Nelson memorabilia.