19th century Dutch silver (934) commemorative tobacco box and cover, of rectangular form, engraved with navel engagement and the labels 'Doggers Bank' and 'Gedaanden 5 Augustus 1781,' the base engraved 'Vivat Zoutman' with central cartouche with flags bearing the names of the Captains involved 'Mulder,' 'Braak,' 'Kingsberge,' 'Benting' 'Dedel,' 'Vanbraam,' 'Staring' and 'Dekker,' the sides decorated with floral and urn motifs, total weight 244gm, 15.5 cm x 7 cm catalogue note: a Dutch squadron under rear Admiral Johann Arnold Zoutman engaged a British squadron of equal strength under vice Admiral Hyde Parker off Doggersbank and a bloody battle ensued. Although technically considered to be a drawn battle, the Dutch claimed victory because the British were first to haul off. Captain Baron Bentick was wounded and died three weeks later of wounds having been promoted to Admiral. Mementos such as boxes and trinkets were issued to all ranks for the battle. Provenance: collection of the late Fredric Sinfield, Sydney NSW, 1938 - 2008