File:Post Medieval Pipe Tamper (FindID 857305).jpg

English: Worn copper alloy post medieval commemorative pipe tamper. The tamper is cast in the round and purports to represent a torso of Horatio Nelson or Admiral Rodney mounted on a pedestal. The pedestal is moulded on the front face with a draped flag and on the reverse with an anchor. Above the pedestal and before the terminal torso, the tamper widens and is decorated with crossed cannon. The flared base of the circular tamper has scored cross-hatch texturing on its underside. Dimensions; 65mm long, 19.5mm wide at the shoulders. The National Maritime Museum in Greenwich have an almost identical example in their collection which they state depicts 'Vice Admiral Nelson' to which they assign a 19th Century date. However, there are several very similar tampers that have been found (see SF-F9E786) with the word 'RODNEY' cast into the base as a distinguishing feature, which clearly commemorate Admiral Rodney. It is worth noting that the example recorded here does not show an eye patch and the presence of both arms cannot be determined as the rendition truncates them at the shoulders. Similarly, the tamper has no reference to Admiral Rodney. Circa 1800-1900 AD.