28. . N aval R ew a r d . 1653.
The same medal without any border.
1-6 by T4.' See Med. Hist, xxiii. 2.
MB. N . S. Addington, M. Rev. John Griffiths, N .
Yery rare.
This medal was also struck by order of the Parliament, to
be given amongst the captains of the vessels engaged. In order
to cover the expense of these smaller medals, the sum granted
by Parliament was raised from nine hundred and sixty pounds
to two thousand.
29. S a ving t h e T r iu m p h . 1653.
The same medal as the preceding, without any border: and
with the inscription engraved on the reverse, f o r em in e n t
SERVICE IN SAVING Y TRIVMPH FIERED IN FIGHT W11 Y DVCH
IN JVLY 1653.
1-6 by 1-4. Med. Hist, xxiii. 2. Vertue, xvi.
MB. N . Unique ?
The Triumph had borne Blake’s flag in various engagements
with the Dutch; she had consequently suffered much, and
became a great favourite with the sailors. Blake was compelled
by ill-health to retire for a time from active service. In the
memorable action of 31 July, 1653, the Triumph was present,
though without her gallant commander, and in the midst of the
fight took fire, and was involved in such extreme danger that
she was abandoned by the greater part of her crew. The remainder,
roused by this abandonment, redoubled their exertions
and succeeded ultimately in saving the favourite from destruction.
For this gallant service naval medals were distributed having
the special inscription engraved upon them to record and reward
the act of saving the Triumph.
Bust, three-quarters, r., in stiff ruff, armour, and scarf
across the breast. Leg. rob*, b la k e , Born 1598 Died 1657.
He fought at once with Ships dt Castles, He dared the Fury
of all the Elements, <& left an Example to Posterity which
is incredible, to be imitated.
Rev. Naval engagement, with brOad border of trophies.
Same as No. 26.
2-3 by 2-15.
MB. JR. Unique.
The obverse of this piece is engraved upon a thin plate of
silver, and, with an original impression of the die of the
reverse of the “ Naval Reward ” medal (No. 26), also upon thin
silver, is formed into a medal by being united by a thin silver
rim. The portrait is not, as it professes to be, of Blake, but is
a coarse copy of one of Maurice, Prince of Orange. (Compare
Yan Loon, II. p. 87.)
Robert Blake, born 1598, was educated at Oxford, commanded
for the Parliament during the Civil War, and was made Governor
of Taunton. In 1649 he was placed at the head of the fleet
under the title of General of the Sea, and in 1652 was made
Sole Admiral for nine months in anticipation of the war with
the Dutch, whom he defeated on several occasions. He afterwards
commanded in the war against Spain in 1656, and died
17 Aug. 1657.
31. A dm ira l B l a k e . 1653,
Bust, three-quarters, r., in stiff ruff, figured armour, and
scarf across the breast.
Rev. Naval action ; similar to No. 26, but on the stern of
the sinking ship, a. s imon.
Laurel border on both sides.
1-95 by 1-75.
MB. Æ,. Very rare.
This is altogether a fabrication, being a cast medal, afterwards
D D