[BATTLE OF SAN DOMINGO INTEREST] A GEORGE III SILVER SHAPED OBLONG TWIN HANDLED TRAY BY WILLIAM BENNETTLONDON 1810With fruiting vine chased handles, the gadrooned rim with anthemion, shells and fruiting vine at intervals, similar motifs to the incurve, on four fruiting vine and flower openwork bracket feet, engraved with a coat-of-arms and a presentation inscription, 74.5cm (29 1/4in) long, 6669g (214.4 oz)The inscription reads 'This plate was presented to The Honble. Vice Admiral Sir Alexander Cochrane, Knight of the Honourable Order of the Bath, by The Insurance Association of Barbadoes, In testimony of their esteem & as an acknowledgement as well of his many & meritorious Services during his Command on the West India Station as of their sense of his Gallant Conduct in the Naval Engagement off St Domingo when in the Northumberland of 74 Guns he laid himself along side of the French Ship Imperial of 120 Guns & after an Action long & bravely maintained on both sides forced the Imperial to retire from the fire of the Northumberland upon the adjacent Rocks of St Domingo where she was totally destroyed'.The coat-of-arms of Admiral of the Blue Sir Alexander Inglis Cochrane, GCB (born Alexander Forrester Cochrane; 1758-1832). He was a senior Royal Navy commander during the Napoleonic Wars and achieved the rank of admiral. He conducted operations against the French and Spanish on 6th February 1806 at the Battle of San Domingo during the Napoleonic Wars. A cannonball blew his hat off his head while he was on the deck of his flagship, HMS Northumberland. He was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath on 29th March 1806 in recognition of his service. Other rewards included thanks from both Houses of Parliament, freedom of the city of London, a sword valued at 100 guineas as well as the present lot. Condition Report Nicks and scratches commensurate with age and use small shallow dent to left of left hand supporter. Marks, decoration and engraving crisp. Sits well