Naval interest. A William IV ebonised concave shaving wall mirror by Jacob Abraham

Naval interest. A William IV ebonised concave shaving wall mirror by Jacob Abraham, the circular plate within a moulded frame, the back with a printed trade label, inscribed 'J. Abraham Optician & Mathematical Instrument Maker to His R. H. THE DUKE OF GLOUCESTER and His Grace the Duke of Wellington, 7. BARTLETT STREET BATH & at His Shop adjoining Mr THOMPSON'S Pump Room CHELTENHAM', 24.2cm diameter.

Provenance:

This mirror belonged to William Mark, also known as William Wardlaw, (1782-1849) Royal Naval Purser & Consul of Malaga.

Thence by descent.

William Mark joined the Royal Navy and obtained his first sea-going appointment in 1801 as Captain Clerk in the frigate Hydra. In 1803 he transferred to the Amphion and subsequently met and served under Admiral Lord Nelson in the Victory. In 1808 he was appointed Purser

of the San Juan, the depot-ship at Gibraltar and finally became H.M. Consul at Malaga. His life story is documented in his autobiography 'At Sea with Nelson, Being the life of William Mark, A Purser who served under Admiral Nelson', edited by Captain William Penrose Mark-Wardlaw, published in 1929. The mirror has always been knownin the family as 'Nelson's mirror'.

Jacob Abraham was an optician active in Bath between 1809-1842.