Oval gold freedom box presented with the Freedom of Colchester to Sir Edmund Affleck bart (1725-88), Rear-Admiral of the Blue, for his service at the Battle of the Saints, 1782.

The lid of the box, which is hinged along the flat surface, is engraved with a port broadside view of a warship under sail, in a central oval. Two scrolls above and below the ship are inscribed ‘BEDFORD 12 Apr: 1782’ and ‘ARMA VIRUMQUE CANO’, all within an oval border of oak leaves and acorns.

The base of the box is engraved with the coat of arms of the borough of Colchester: a shield with a ragged cross and three crowns, surrounded by a wreath. The sides of the box are decorated only with two narrow bands of foliage.

Inside the lid is inscribed: 'THIS BOX was presented by the Mayor & Corporation of the Borough of Colchester WITH THE FREEDOM OF THAT TOWN TO SIR EDMUND AFFLECK BART. In testimony of their Admiration of his Gallant Conduct in Command of HMS Bedford 74 guns, in Lord Rodney's splendid Action, and the defeat of the French Fleet under the Count de Grasse in the W. Indies 12 April 1782'.

Presented together with a miniature of Rear-Admiral Affleck (MNT0049).