Teak Barrel Match Holder Made From - HMS CORNWALL - Launched in 1815

Here on offer is a GENUINE piece of timber from HMS CORNWALL made into a ribbed barrel shaped match holder. The beautifully made barrel measures 1.9” (5cm) diameter at its widest point by 2” (5cm) high. It weighs 30g. It has a quality metal plaque pinned to the front, which reads: FROM THE TIMBER OF H.M.S. CORNWALL LAUNCHED BOMBAY 1815 Some history relating to this great ship follows: HMS CORNWALL HMS Cornwall was built in Bombay Dockyard in 1812. She was launched in 1815 as HMS Wellesley, a 74 gun 3rd rate ship of the line. She captured Karachi for the British, and participated in the First Opium War, which resulted in Britain gaining control of Hong Kong. She saw active service in the Far East and was for a time the Flag Ship of Rear-Admiral Sir Frederick Lewis-Maitland. When she returned from this service, 27 cannon balls were found embedded in her sides. In 1868 she was rebuilt as HMS Cornwall. Later she was fitted out as a training ship and moored off Purfleet. In 1928 she was moved to Denton, below Gravesend. She was still there at the outbreak of war in 1939. In 1940 she was severely damaged by bombs during a German air-raid on London and sank; subsequently gaining the distinction of being the last British ship of the line to be sunk by enemy action, and the only one to be sunk during an air-raid. She was raised in 1944 and beached at Tilbury-Ness. The barrel is in EXCELLENT original condition. A great piece of British Shipping memorabilia! Please see my pictures for the details of the condition, which complement this description. Please see my TERMS OF BUSINESS regarding Deliver Charges and Insurance regarding additional insurance cover, should you require it, BEFORE the item is dispatched. The responsibility lies with the customer to check with your Customs restrictions that this item can be imported into your country. Thanks for taking the time to look.