Lot 69
ADMIRAL A W ACLAND-HOOD MEMORABILIA.
Two naval trunks with brass plates or labels denoting they are the property of Arthur William Acland-Hood RN. Both mid 19thC in origin, with the cap worn by Captain A W A Hood, in the Second Opium War. Whilst Captain of HMS Acorn a small Gunboat on the China Station. The old label inside the cap reads, 'To be taken great care of'. Cap worn by Captain Arthur William Acland Hood RN . (Afterwards Baron Hood of Avalon) In the China War in 1857. Complete with Victorian officers badge, also a Stohwasser & Winter of 39 Conduit Street, London W, label.
With this lot is a part of an explosive device, it appears an early Chinese underwater 'Torpedo'. The label on the wooden block with nails and a brass wheeled device reads. ' Part of the Infernal machine which exploded within 20 yards of HMS Acorn , in the Canton River on May 3rd 1857. The machine contained two tons of powder and was guided under water by means of large rings shipped along a Bamboo cable & guided on each side of the river by men with guide lines concealed by the high banks, the Guard Boat was leaving HMS Acorn at 4:00 am and moving accidentally in the direction of the men guiding the machine. They fancied they were discovered and pulled the trigger line a moment too soon and no damage was done by the explosion. Arthur Hood who commanded the Acorn so wrote. (Just under 13" long 4" wide and 1.1/2" deep.)
Silvered buttons with the Hood Crest, also Naval officers buttons. The smaller crested buttons are mostly on cards, all are a walking bird with anchor background, the sets and loose examples number around 200 in total.
Also with this lot are two artefact's from Pompei in 1896, one with part of a mosaic the other in marble. Both have labels and dates of collection noted.
Arthur William Acland Hood born 18/7/1824, in Bath Somerset. Died in Glastonbury (Butleigh) Somerset 16/11/1901, aged 77 years.
Served in the Royal Navy from 1836 until 1889, retiring aged 65 years, as 1st Naval Lord.
Took part in the Capture of Acre in November 1840, Lieutenant in January 1846. Served on the Cape of Good Hope in HMS Excellent.
Served in the Crimea War including the Defence of Eupotoria in November 1854. Awarded the Order of Medjidie 5th Class.
Served on the China Station in HMS Acorn from May 1856. Took part in the Battle of Fashtan Creek against the Junks in June 1857. Thence the Battle of Canton in December 1857.
Promoted Captain in February 1858.
Rear admiral 2nd Naval Lord March 1876. C in C Channel Squadron.
1st Naval Lord awarded KCB 1886.
Retired aged 65 Baron Hood of Avalon 1889.
He married in 1855 Fanny Henrietta MacLean, they had two daughters.
A Brass Desk Plaque presented to his wife Lady Hood inset in an oak frame.
Celebrating the launch by her, of HMS Trafalgar September 1887. With details of both tonnage and horse power etc. 8.1/2" x 6", with other lesser artefact's.
