An archive of letters and medals that offers a fascinating insight into the life of a Victorian naval officer will sell at Duke's of Dorchester in the UK on May 9.
 Abbot played a part in the Malay Straits affair |
The archive is believed to have belonged to Lieutenant Thomas Abbott (1853-1886), and presents a unique first-hand account of his naval actions across the globe. Featuring an Indian General Service Medal with Perak Bar, a South Africa Medal with 1879 Bar, an Egypt Medal and a Khedives Star, it is expected to sell for £3,500-5,000 ($5,363-7,662).
Lieutenant Thomas Abbott was destined to join the navy from a very early age, being the son of Admiral Jonas Abbott. He began his career at just 13 in 1867, joining the HM Training Ship Britannia.
During his time at sea, Abbott would have met historic figures such as Queen Victoria, First Sea Lord Louis Battenburg and Admiral of the Fleet Lord Charles Beresford. His journals contain interesting details of life on the Pitcairn Islands, which were made famous by the Mutiny on the Bounty story in 1789, and show the significant part he played in the Malay Straits affair of 1875.
Also included in the archive are telegrams from Queen Victoria, letters to and from his parents and extensive photographic records.
In March, a group of medals that belonged to Lord Nelson's surgeon sold with a 20% increase on estimate from the DR A L Lloyd OBE Medal Collection.
Paul Fraser Collectibles has an outstanding array of Lord Nelson memorabilia for sale.
