Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Capture of Cayenne 14 January 1809, silver medal presented by the Prince Regent of Portugal to the officers and men of H.M.S. Confiance in recognition of their services at the reduction of Cayenne in 1809 (cf NGS clasp Confiance 14 Jany 1809 - 8 issued), fitted with silver bar suspension, heavy edge bruise at 9 o’clock and contact marks generally, otherwise very fine and rare £800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Kuriheka Collection of British Medals.

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In addition to swords, gratuities and decorations to various of the officers of Confiance, the Prince Regent of Portugal further decreed, ‘To each individual of the ship’s company .. a large silver medal to be struck in England, to commemorate the occasion.’

Whilst later struck specimens in bronze, silver-gilt and gold are seen from time to time, often in their original shells, original silver awards are extremely rare, this possibly only the third recorded.