Rare Copenhagen sword from Nelson battle sells at Dorset auction

The unique relic was sold in Dorset on Friday

A rare sword given to a hero for his actions at the Battle of Copenhagen has sold at auction for £50,000.

Awarded to a midshipman in 1801, the presentation sword went under the hammer at Duke's of Dorchester auction rooms in Dorset on Friday.

In the battle, Nelson was ordered to retreat but famously put a telescope to his blind eye and claimed he could not see the signal telling him to do so.

The relic had an estimated price of between £60,000 and £80,000.

No gold medals were produced to mark the victory at Copenhagen - unlike other naval triumphs - which makes this sword rare, the auction house says

The decorated 37-inch (94cm) weapon has a curved blade of German steel, an ivory handle with a lion's head and is engraved with the initials JP and Battle of Copenhagen.

The auction house said the sword was almost certainly made for James Proctor, whose efforts on board the lead ship Edgar impressed his senior officer.

During the battle, Proctor's ship was the first to engage the enemy and suffered great losses.

He was injured - alongside 141 others - during the action that ultimately saw a British victory.

It is thought to have been commissioned by Proctor's grateful commanding officer, Captain James Murray, to mark the midshipman's heroism.

Guy Schwinge, art expert and consultant at Duke's, said the sword was a "remarkable survivor" and was in excellent condition.

"This sword was made for an unofficial presentation by an officer to one of his crew who performed with great courage and valour - and this makes it extremely collectible," he added.

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