A Louis XV rectangular gold snuff-box, by Dominique François Poitreau, Paris, 1758-59, with charge and décharge mark of Eloy Brichard, the engine-turned box with reeded border and scalloped dividing bands, the interior flush hinged lid with engraved inscription: ''James Hawkins from an affectionate Uncle & friend Sir James Hawkins Whitshed Bar't Admiral of the Fleet-1848.

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Sir James Hawkins Whitshed (1762-1849) Admiral of the Fleet, began his naval career in 1773 being entered on the books of the Ranger Sloop, he served on the Newfoundland and North American stations until promoted to Lieutenant in 1778. In 1795 having reached the rank of Captain, he was appointed to the Namur and in 1797 was present at the battle of Cape St. Vincent for which he recieved the gold medal. He became Vice Admiral in 1804, was nominated a K.C.B. in 1815 was made a G.C.B. in 1830 and Baronet in 1834. He was promoted Admiral of the Fleet on January 8 1844.