A PAIR OF GEORGE III CAST BRONZE SIGNAL CANNONS, FROM HMS ROYAL GEORGE, 1782, each engraved, "Relic of the / ROYAL GEORGE / Sunk 1782 / raised 1840," on later step-carved oak carriages with end-cut oak wheels; cannon length: 12 1/2", with carriage length: 13". Note: HMS Royal George was a first rate ship of the line with 100 gun spread over three decks, displaced over 2,000 tons, and at the time of its launch in 1756 was the world's largest warship. When thinking of this impressive if not intimidating warship in a modern context, the HMS Royal George was "the eighteenth-century equivalent of a weapon of mass destruction." (1)Within months of its launch she was put into active service by the Royal Navy in the Seven Years War (1756-1763) and over these years was under the command of several distinguished Admirals, Vice-Admirals, a Rear Admiral, as well as Captains, often as their flagship. After the war was over, she was laid up in Portsmouth until after the start of the American War of Independence (1775-1783) when she was reactivated, refitted, and recommissioned by July of 1778. During this period she was commanded by a number of same ranking but different officers as found in the Seven Years War. She took part in successful conflicts during the American Revolution and brought relief to the inhabitants of Gibraltar which was under siege by the French/Spanish navies. It was the preparation for another "relief" mission that would lead to the sinking of the Royal George. In August of 1783 a fleet including the Royal George along with other ships taking part in the Gibraltar mission were anchored in Spithead and by the 28th were taking on supplies. The ship had many visitors that day as the sailors were not allowed to go ashore for fear they would not return. There is no record of the exact number of visitors but it is thought to include 200-300 family members, 100-200 ladies from Portsmouth who regularly visited ships considered the pride of the Royal Navy, merchants/tradesmen doing business with the sailors and officers, and workmen making repairs. That morning the ship was tilted starboard to do some repairs on the hull and it went too far bringing the port side gun ports below the water line and the ship started filling with water. A workman warned the officer in charge but was ignored so he went to the Captain who agreed and started to order the necessary actions but by then it was too late, the Royal George sank filling with water rather quickly. The total number of dead was 900, this included crew on board, plus 300 women, and 60 children. 255 people survived of which eleven were women and one child.In 1782 Charles Spaulding was able to recover some iron and bronze cannons by using a diving bell but no more salvage work was done until 1839. In that year Major General Charles Pasley started operations to blow up the wreck using gunpowder in lead-covered oak barrels and then salvage what could be with divers. This was necessary as the wreck was blocking part of a major seaport and was dangerous to other ships. These efforts continued until 1843 when the sight was declared cleared. This lot of signaling cannons was part of the recovery done in 1840.Provenance: Collection of Hubert Hudson, Texas Senator 1957-1963, Brownsville, Texas.

Each has normal uneven patination, expected small scratches, dings, scattered spots, and marks from age and use. Statements by Simpson Galleries regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only and should not be relied upon as statements of fact and do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Simpson Galleries. All lots offered are sold "AS IS."