We often think that "fan merchandise" is a product of our times. But all through history, mankind tried to express its excitement about significant events or its admiration for a fellow man (or woman) by the means they had. Of course a nice little plaque commemorating the signing of the US Declaration of Independence would have done as well, but let's be honest, Lady Liberty is far more impressive. And as a miniature, everybody can take a bit of that commemoration home.

The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar was a markstone in the history of Britain, and Nelson, already in high favours with his fellow countrymen, achieved legendary status. Not only because of the victory itself, but also because of his death under such dramatic circumstances. Men like Collingwood who contributed just as much to the victory ended up almost forgotten (until the recent "Collingwood-revival", which I highly welcome!), because it's the heroic death which makes the difference between "hero" and legend". Nelson's funeral is, at least in my opinion, to this day unchallenged when it comes to pomp and circumstance and commiseration of the population.

It doesn't come as a surprise that people asked for souvenirs of both the victory and Nelson, and where there's a demand, there's a market. Over the last months, I've collected documentation of such memorabilia, and I found an amazing number. The quality varies, and to our modern eyes, many of the following pieces might look overly dramatic, sentimental and maybe even downright kitschy, but we have to look at them from an 18th century's point of view. I can promise you that future generations will not look overly kindly at commemorative plates celebrating the wedding of Charles and Camilla, either.

Please note: I've had to do a lot of readjusting with the following pictures, especially the glass plates. Dusty glass + flash = what on earth is that supposed to be? So if the colours look overly bright, then it's because I tried to make the artwork visible. The originals didn't look like that; I didn't take the pictures which mostly come from auction catalogues (if I remember correctly). Also: VERY image heavy, dial-uppers beware!


Nelson bust, 1805 - what's wrong here...?

Be it the Dr. Who mug or the Nelson jug - merchandise is best when the sentimental value is enhanced by actual usability. This is certainly the case when it comes to mugs or, as in the following examples, jugs.


Nelson and Berry jugs, 1805

Considering that people's admiration was focussed on Nelson, it's rare to find any commemorative pieces for other participants on the Battle of Trafalgar. This is an excellent example; two jugs showing Nelson and Rear Admiral Sir Edward Berry, who commanded HMS Agamemnon during the Battle of Trafalgar.


Nelson jug, 1806

This jug shows Nelson's portrait with the famous "England expects" on the front. On the back, the battle strategy is explained.


Nelson jug, 1806

This more "glamorous" jug shows Nelson and HMS Victory in battle. It also lists each of Nelson's titles.


Nelson mug, 1805



Nelson mug, 1806

The interesting bit about this mug is the list on the back: every ship of Rear and Van is named, and the number of guns each of them had is mentioned.


Nelson mug, 1806

Again, Nelson, "England expects" and HMS Victory in action. I think this might be Staffordshire, but I'm not sure.

To me, the most interesting pieces by far were the commemorative glass plates. Just like mugs and jugs, they are not historically correct and glorify both battle and admiral, but realism wasn't the target of these pieces. It was the expression of a sentiment, of a feeling shared by a nation, often portrayed in allegoric form.





Glass plate showing Nelson's hearse and coffin, 1806

As mentioned above, Nelson's funeral was an event of unprecedented size. See also my article from last year about Nelson's funeral with additional pictures. This glass plate shows the hearse, shaped in form of the Victory and richly decorated, as well as the coffin, made out of the Victory's wood - the heart of the funeral cortege.


Glass plate showing Nelson's death, 1805

This is one of the earliest plates, created on occasion of the funeral. This might explain the historical inaccuracy, because Nelson really didn't died neatly rested on a sofa in his great cabin... or maybe this is just artistic licence. Kneeling by his side, searching for a pulse, is surgeon William Beatty. The officer to the left, we can assume, is supposed to be Hardy (if it's true that Hardy already had his pigtail cut off by the Battle of Trafalgar, it might as well be somebody else. Then again, artistic licence...) Considering that officers were expected to control their feelings at all times - even while having an arm or leg amputated! - it's interesting to see that, where Nelson's death was concerned, it was accepted that an officer would cry in his handkerchief!

Another recurring motif in many Nelson memorabilia: the presence of common "Jack Tar". Nelson was much loved by his men, and this admiration coming from the lower decks mirrored in many commemorative pieces. This also shows on the right half of the plate, where you have a common seaman mourning the admiral along with Britannia and a little boy.


Glass plate, 1806

A typical allegory: Neptune and Britannia mourn Britain's great hero.


Glass plate, 1806

Again, the motif of the two mourning tars. This is my favourite plate of the ones I've posted; maybe because Nelson's portrait is realistic and not glorified.

I hope you found these pieces interesting. And who knows: today's fannish interest might be tomorrow's heritage...