BHM0383  60.21gr. Battle of the Glorious First of June. In 1794 the revolutionary armies of France were making gains on the continent. England was under threat of invasion from French privateers hitting coastal towns, placing the entire nation on edge. However, those fears dissipated after the French fleet was defeated in this 3rd Battle of Ushant. The clash happened as Admiral Howe chased after the French fleet under Admiral Villaret de Joyeuse deep into the Atlantic. In 1794 France was gripped by famine and De Joyeuse’s intent was to decoy the British fleet from a vital grain convoy of 117 ships enroute from the United States. In this he succeeded, but the British caught up to him 400 miles off the Brittany coast. It was the first large scale battle between these two fleets. The British came out on top destroying seven French ships, but it wasn’t a decisive victory and the French fleet was able to withdraw in good order. In the end France got the much-needed grain that ended the famine while British coastal towns were free from French raids.  A superb example, the reverse depicting a naval battle scene. Extremely rare in as a silver gilt, the only one I have ever seen in 50 years, but if  others exist, it is highly  unlikely that they surpass this example. Ex Baldwins Auction 8-9 Oct. 2001, lot 1879     FDC