Miniature painting traditionally supposed to depict Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) as a boy. A circular miniature painted in watercolour on ivory, depicting a boy in a blue coat, with a ship's masts behind, signed and dated 'NH 1767' (Nelson was nine at this time). It is inscribed on the reverse 'HORATIO NELSON', has a glazed gilt mount and a silk-lined oval red leather case (probably not the original one). There is no authority at all for believing it has anything to do with Nelson. The signature invites identification as that of Nathaniel Hone (1718-84) but although it may be earlier than suggested at present it is not of his usual quality, albeit in a faded condition. [amended PvdM 9/12]