Engraved Admiral Byng Air Twist Stem Wine Glass c1760

Description

Heading : Admiral Byng glass
Period : George II – George III c1760
Origin : England
Colour : Clear
Bowl : Round funnel. engraved with a man swinging from the gallows flanked by the initials AB. IUSTICE (justice) engraved opposite
Stem : Multi spiral air twist
Foot : Conical
Pontil : Snapped
Glass Type : Lead
Size :  15.9cm height. 5.9cm diameter bowl. 6.9cm diameter foot
Condition : Excellent. no chips or cracks
Restoration : None
Weight: 153 grams

Admiral John Byng was executed on the 14th of March 1757 for failing “to do his utmost” during the Battle of Minorca during the Seven Years War. Byng had been given command of a battle weary fleet of damaged ships and. upon engaging the French and being defeated. decided to return to Gibraltar to have his ships repaired. This decision meant that Minorca fell into the hands of the French. a result to make any Englishman quail. Strangely. although Byng was shot by the admiralty. all of the Admiral Byng glasses depict a man being hanged.