Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part III)

The Most Honourable Order of The Bath, K.C.B. (Military) Knight Commander’s set of insignia, neck badge, silver-gilt and enamel; breast star, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, in Garrard, London case of issue, lid inscribed in gilt lettering, ‘C.I.M. R.N. Sir William Eames, K.C.B.’, minor enamel damage, good very fine (2) £900-1100

William Eames was born on 10 February 1821, son of Cornelius Horman Eames an engineer living in Cork. Educated at Dean Street Academy, Cork, Eames entered the Royal Navy in 1844 as an Assistant Engineer, becoming a Chief Engineer 3rd Class in 1847, 2nd Class in 1852 and 1st Class in 1855. Serving in the Crimea War he was awarded the British and Turkish medals. He held the position of Chief Engineer of Chatham Dockyards during 1869-81 and was appointed Chief Inspector of Machinery (C.I.M.) in 1870. He retired from the service in 1881 and was created a K.C.B. in 1902. Sir William died on 28 February 1910.