Object Description
The openwork gold fluted pendent mount is channel set with an oval cornelian seal engraved with the coat of arms and crest of Hood with the arms of Periam in pretence for Captain Alexander Hood RN (1758-1798) who married Elizabeth Periam of Butleigh. English, circa 1790.
Captain Hood (1758-1798) was a cousin of Samuel Hood, Viscount Hood, and of Alexander Hood, Viscount Bridport. His younger brother was Sir Samuel Hood who captained Zealous at the Battle of the Nile. As a midshipman, Hood served in Resolution on Captain James Cook’s second voyage of exploration. After seeing action in the American War, he was appointed to Mars , 74 guns, in which, on 21 April 1798, he engaged and defeated L’Hercule , 74 guns, in a celebrated single ship fight. Wounded during the engagement, Hood was carried below and died shortly after receiving the sword of the defeated French captain, who was also killed in the action.