157. Another. Similar: without border. Gold. Size 1·6. Struck; with ring for suspension. By T. Simon.
The medals of the class were probably distributed amongst the Captains of the vessels engaged.
158. Saving the Triumph, 1653. Same medal with inscription engraved on the reverse, FOR EMINENT SERVICE IN SAVING Y TRIVMPH FIERED IN FIGHT WH. Y. DVCH IN IVLY 1653. Gold. Oval. Size 1·6. Struck; with ring for suspension. By T. Simon.
The Triumph was Blake's flag-ship, and in the battle of 31st July, 1653, in the absence of her commander, she took fire and was abandoned by the greater part of the crew. Those who remained, redoubling their efforts, succeeded in saving her, and were rewarded with the above medal bearing a special inscription.
159. Admiral Blake, 1653. Obv. Bust, three quarters r., wearing armour, ruff, &c. ROBṬ. BLAKE. Born 1598. Died 1657. He fought at once with Ships & Castles. He dared the Fury of all the Elements, & left an Example to Posterity which is incredible; to be imitated. Rev. Naval engagement with broad trophy border as No. [155]. Silver. Oval. Size 2·3. Engraved and struck. By T. Simon.
Robert Blake, born 1598, commanded in the West for Parliament during the Civil War, entered the Naval Service in 1649 and obtained several victories over the Dutch during the years 1652—1654. Died 1657. The obverse of this medal is engraved, and the reverse is struck, each on a thin plate. The portrait is not as it professes to be of Blake, but is a coarse copy of one of Maurice, Prince of Orange.
160. Peace with Holland, 1654. Obv. Britain and Holland armed, holding spears, each surmounted with cap of Liberty, and bearing national flag, Peace uniting spears with olive-wreath. HIER BINT DE HEIL'GE VREEDEN BRIT. EN BATAVIER, &c. Rev. Ship in full sail r., driven by winds; above, Fame; beneath, Tritons; AO 1654. WAAROM ZEILT T. VREDESCHIP OPT. SILVER IN DE ZEE, &c. Silver-gilt. Size 3·15. Repoussé and chased.
Holland, defeated in a series of naval actions, sued for peace and submitted to terms favourable to England. This medal is Dutch, and is composed of two plates united by rim. It was probably executed by Pieter van Abeele, (see note, [p. 37]).
161. Another, 1654. Obv. Cromwell delivering treaty of Peace to the representative of the United Provinces. VREDE GESLOTEN TUSSCHEN DEN HEER HEERE PROTECTEVR CROMWEL, &c. IN DEN IARE 1654. Rev. Shield, arms and crest of the town of Sluys. PIETER LIPS ENDE FERDINANDE DE BACKERE BVRGEMEESTERS DER STADT SLVYS ANNO 1654. Silver. Size 3·4. Engraved.
This medal was probably executed by order of the Burgomasters of Sluys mentioned in the reverse inscription.