2-913-904 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Grand Military Trophy, at the Crystal Palace, 1854. Fete held at Sydenham in south London, in aid of '...funds for the relief of the sick and wounded and widows and orphans of her Majesty's forces engaged in the Russian war [Crimean War]...a large trophy...was composed of flags, cannon, and other arms...and had been designed and executed under the superintendence of Mr. G. Stacey, storekeeper at the Tower [of London]. The base consisted of a round platform...on which were placed rows of cannon-balls. Above the base were two brass cannon taken at Bomarsund, and at opposite angles two mortars. The whole structure - which comprised weapons of all kinds, as well as four complete suits of steel armour...terminated in a lofty pole, from which were suspended the flags of France, Turkey, and England, crowned with a wreath of laurel'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.