Medal commemorating Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) and the capture of Porto Bello, 1739

Medal commemorating Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) the capture of Porto Bello, 1739 and the attack on Cartagena, 1741. Obverse: Full-length figure of Vernon, facing to right, sword in right hand; he receives with his left the sword tendered by 'DON BLASS', who faces Vernon on both knees. Line enclosing legend. Legend: 'THE SPANISH PRIDE PULL D DOWN BY ADML VERNON.' Exergue: Ornament of shell and two leaves. Reverse: View of the port. Six ships, placed two and four, all sailing to left. No boats. Tower and two steeples pointing at letters E, O and T. Line enclosing legend. Legend: 'WHO . TOOK . PORTO . BELLO . WITH . SIX . SHIPS . ONLY'. Exergue: 'NOV 22 1739'. Below two leaves on separate stems. A disastrous attempt was made to capture Cartagena in April 1741. In the event, the Spanish commander Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, successfully defended the city against the British.

Object Details

ID: MEC1036
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Events: War of Jenkins' Ear: Capture of Porto Bello, 1739
Date made: After 1739
People: Vernon, Edward; Vernon, Edward Olavarrieta, Blas de Lezo y
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 36 mm