Silver Box by James Phipps, London, 1779
This silver freedom casket is inscribed: "From the Corporation of Kingston upon Hull to Thomas Piercy Esq, CAPTAIN of His Majesty's Ship the COUNTESS of SCARBOROUGH for his Gallant Defence of the BALTIC FLEET in the Engagement with PAUL JONES, Sept 23, 1779." This silver box was given to Captain Piercy for his role in a sea battle at Flamborough Head, near Bridlington. In 1779 John Paul Jones attacked a fleet of British ships. He was from America which was at war with Britain at the time. Captain Piercy led one of the ships who fought Jones, defending the fleet that had been attacked. However, Jones won and he is still thought of as a hero in America.
