Spike from man-of-war H.M.S. ROYAL GEORGE

spike

Copper spike, carved around top. Scratched on one side "R.G.", on the other, "Bolt/ from/ the/ Royal/ George." H.M.S. ROYAL GEORGE was an English man-of-war of 108 guns. While being refitted at Spithead, 8/29/1782, she suddenly keeled over, under strain caused by shifting her guns, filled, and went down with commander, Admiral Kempenfelt and nearly 1000 sailors, marines & visitors onboard, about 800 of whom were lost. Spike presented to Capt. Charles Hervey Townshend of New Haven, CT.