Lot 84: A LATE 18 T H CENTURY COMBINATION DRESSING AND WRITING BOX, GIVEN BY ADMIRAL LORD HOWE TO ADMIRAL ZACHARY MUDGE

constructed in mahogany the internal fittings with striped satinwood edges, the top compartment subdivided with compartments and trays containing four glass flasks with stoppers and silver caps, four silver containers with hallmarks for John Holloway 1793, one containing a glass liner and threaded ebony handle [shaving bowl?], mirror and silver tooth brush, the rim with inset key in holder and two threaded bolts for surface securing; the front with two drawers containing silver-capped ink and blotting-sand bottles, stationery compartments and a bone-handled paper knife, the lid and drawers with brass locks, the exterior with two brass drop handles, key. Overall measurements -- 5 x 173/4 x 11in. (12.5 x 45 x 28cm.) See illustration NOTES Admiral Zachary Mudge (1770-1852) had a long and distinguished career in the Royal Navy beginning in 1780 when he joined H.M.S. Foudroyant as Servant to Captain John Jervis, the future Lord St. Vincent. Remaining in the service after the end of the American War of Independence and promoted Lieutenant in 1789, he accompanied Captain George Vancouver's voyage of exploration (1790-94), including the latter's celebrated survey of the Pacific coast of North America from where -- at Nootka Sound -- Mudge was despatched to India in an open vessel with a crew of only 14 men. Made Commander in 1797 and given his own ship, the 16-gun sloop H.M.S. Fly, the next year, this marked the start of his particularly colourful wartime exploits which included the loss of his frigate Blanche in July 1805 for which he was court-martialled though honourably acquitted of all blame. Having been made Captain in 1800, he was promoted Rear-Admiral in 1830 with his final promotion to Admiral being in 1849.