Cup and cover presented to Luke Crosby, Commander of the 'Three Sisters', 1781.

Urn-shaped silver cup and cover with two loop handles decorated with beading and acanthus leaves. The upper border of the bowl is chased with foliage and swags, with anchors, speaking trumpets and telescopes. The raised foot has a beaded border and the tall lid has an urn finial. One side is engraved with a ship under sail within an oval cartouche.

The other side is inscribed: 'Presented by the Merchants & Underwriters of Bristol to Luke Crosby, Commander of the THREE SISTERS for his Gallant Defence of that Ship, with six 6 Pounders only; against a French Privateer of eighteen 6 Pounders off the ISLAND of SCILLY, on the 17 of March 1781'.

'Sarah Farley's Bristol Journal' (local newspaper) of 24 March 1781 reported: 'Capt. Crosby, of the Three Sisters, in the Russia trade, who sail'd from hence the beginning of last week, off Scilly fell in with a French privateer of 18 six pounders, full of men, which he engaged for a considerable time and 'tis supposed killed a great number of their people. Capt. Crosby had only 8 six-pounders, and about ten men and boys, but by his bravery and great judgement he escaped being taken tho' much maul'd. 'Tis supposed a more gallant defence has not been made this war, considering the inequality, and there is not a doubt but he will receive the thanks of the Lords of the Admiralty for his bravery. The Frenchman was so roughly handled, that she was oblig'd to lie to to refit'.