Early Victorian Mercantile Marine Masters Certificate in its origional Matched Leather Case dated 1857 - Cornishman

An original numbered vellum certificate issued to William Pearce born in Milor in Cornwall in 1814, but dated 1857, issued by the Board of Trade and stating he had 23 years in the Mercantile Marine including achieving the rank of Master. A quick internet search reveals he lived at Saint Feock, Nr Truro. He was married to Elizabeth and had seven children: 3 sons and 4 daughters. William died in 1893 and was buried in Mylor (copies of internet research supporting the above to be included).

It is in its original leather case which is attractively embossed with the figure if Britannia under a large Victorian crown and the garter bears the words "Certificate of Service Mercantile Marine Act 1851". Some wear to box corners and leather and gilding of the crest, but an incredibly scarce and important item of early Mercantile marine history.

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Code: 56334