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Naval journal and portrait of Lt Byng

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Naval journal and portrait of Lt Byng Byng  navy naval
A descendant of the infamous Admiral Byng who was executed by firing squad aboard HMS Monarch by a firing squad of Royal Marines on 14th March 1757, perhaps unjustly blamed for the loss of Minorca to the French. The title of Viscount Torrington passed through the Byng line and the Hon Russell John Morris was the son of the 6th Viscount Torrington and his great great uncle was the very same Admiral John Byng.

Born on 4th August 1823 he was the youngest son of the Vice-Admiral Viscount Torrington by his second wife, Frances Harriet. She in turn was the daughter of Sir Robert Barlow G.C.B.

Russell John Morris Byng entered the Royal Navy in 31st March 1837 on board the Princess Charlotte under Captain Fanshawe. He saw action of Syria in 1840, including the bombardment of Saut Jean d’ Acre and his medal sold at auction a couple of years ago. He passed his examination on 12th Aprils 1843 and after serving as a MAte in the Mediterranean and home stations of Belvideria, the Vesuvius (a steamer), Excellent (a gunnery ship) and Victoria and Albert (a steam yacht), he was awarded a commission as an officer on 25th September 1845. He was then posted to the Retribution (a steam frigate) and Vengeance which were both commanded by Captain Stephen Lushington.

Byng died in 1850 at the age of just 26.

The diary covers the period 1841 -1845 and he talks of seeing a bull fight, seeing a sailor fall to his death, dinner with his fellow officer, dining with a Russian officer and so many snippets and intriguing insights into life at sea for a the young man in the 1840s.

The diary remains in good order and the writing is unfaded. Patience and study reveal so many stories and snapshots of life at sea that would be lost to history without its existence. It is indeed a diary worthy of further study and research.

Both the watercolour and diary were acquired from a private collection having stayed together over the years. The colours on the portrait and bright and crisp and unfaded. He holds his telescope in his hand. Held in a mahogany frame of the period, undoubtedly the original, these make for a truly unique and rare collection of important naval historical documents with a direct link to such an important historical figure.
1841-1845

Measuring Diary 12cm x 19cm
Watercolour (oval) 10cm x 14cm
Frame 24cm x 20cm approx
Price
£750.00  UK
$948.83  USA
885.68  EU
 The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 27/JUN/2024. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.
 
  Antique Pictures / Engravings / Art > Antique Watercolours Date 1841-1845  Early Victorian Antiques Origin English Item code as226a361 Status Sold

SellerRob Hall Antiques

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Rob Hall Antiques


Rob Hall AntiquesPrivate dealer
By appointment only
Oundle,
Northants

Tel : 07581 061251

Non UK callers : +44 7581 061251
 
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Naval journal and portrait of Lt Byng
 
as226a361
 


 
 






 

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