A sought after Sterling silver Anchor letter clip with the inscription 'ENGLAND EXPECTS THAT EVERY MAN WILL DO HIS DUTY'.
Hallmarks for the makers 'Dudley & Cox' of Southsea, Portsmouth, 1922 and the Leopards head for the London assay office.
In 1922 HMS Victory entered dry dock In Portsmouth, it is possible the oak came from her and was made to commemorate Victory being saved. Tons of waterlogged oak was removed and replaced from the hull. It was common practice at the time for the Navy to hand over pieces of wood to high end craftsmen such as Dudley and Cox. Especially those situated nearby. Public patriotism would have been high at this time.
Dudley and Cox were a notable silversmithing partnership trading from 1907.
Solid oak base bearing the plaque with a facsimile signature of Lord Nelson.
Base measures 17cm x 12cm. Height 11cm.