93/internal/media/dispatcher/1798/fullDockyard ToolboxJoseph EspositoMMM 004609.34889800Mid-20th century rectangular toolbox, painted black, featuring a lid on hinges, a lock, and metallic handles on the side. The lid features various religious paraphernalia attached on the inner side, such as a 'Verbum Dei' prayer and other religious images. The box contains removable compartments in wood, each containing a number of tools of various sizes./internal/media/dispatcher/444/fullH.M.S Penelope BadgeMMM 004014489050134The badge belonged to the Arethusa-class British light cruiser, HMS Penelope (97), launched in October 1935. In October 1941, she arrived in Maltese waters to join Force K along with HMS Aurora, and destroyers, HMS Lance and HMS Lively. HMS Penelope was subjected to intense Axis bombing while being repaired in Malta's Dockyard between March 25 and April 8, 1942, which had a devastating impact on the three maritime cities, particularly Cospicua. The ship was nicknamed as "HMS Pepperpot" because of the multiple shrapnel holes in its sides. Running against time, workers repaired the most significant holes, the rest were patched up with wood. On the evening of April 8, the ship slipped out to safer ports for refitting. The ship had a short career during WWII, as it was torpedoed and sunk by the German U-boat U-410 near the coast of Naples, on its way to Anzio, in 18 February 1944. This event saw the death of 415 crew members. The pentagon-shaped badge shows on a Field Blue, a female head White. She is wearing a white (but now discoloured) veil which covers her hair and, a headpiece with red detailing. The badge is topped by a Naval Crown. The name of the ship 'HMS PENELOPE' is featured above the metal cast badge. Below, there is a banner which contains the words ‘CONSTANTIA-ET-FIDE’ which mean 'with constancy and faith'. The badge is mounted onto a wooden plaque as a commemorative piece./internal/media/dispatcher/1480/fullMariner's Compass1600-1699MMM 000065.2489052158Mariner's compass composed of two parts - the compass itself inside the boxwood case and the lid. It may be a Portuguese invention but requires further research. This small compass is mounted in a turned wooden box. The card is probably hand-painted and is marked with the 32 points. The north point is decorated and the east point with a cross indicating Jerusalem. The other cardinal and semi-cardinal points are marked G, L, S, O, P and M./internal/media/dispatcher/7125/fullRoyal Navy Commodore Summer Uniform of Sir Nigel CecilMMM 0046324890511591 Royal Navy Summer Commodore Jacket, 3 White peaked caps, 2 Black ties./internal/media/dispatcher/7123/fullFemale swimming trunksc. 1920MMM 003158488981160This two-piece bathing costume simply sewn together as a one-piece and having a nautical flair, was typical seaside fashion of the early 20th century./internal/media/dispatcher/1488/fullKriegsmarine "Trommel" Sextant1941Karl Heinrich Christian PlathMMM 004620.9488982162Black Trommel sextant dated 1941 marked with the German Nazi Eagle symbol and swastika over Runic M, [Kriegsmarine "M"] and the number "3831". Marked with the producer name "C. Plath Hamburg". Includes the D.S. stamp on the left side of the arc and the serial number 18872 on the right side./internal/media/dispatcher/1471/fullNocturnal 1574MMM 000069488985165The nocturnal is an astrolabe for telling time at night or for determining latitude by the position of the stars in relation to Polaris (Alpha Ursae Minoris). Time could be read at time thanks to this instrument by observing the position of the brightest star in the constellation of Urs Minor, commonly known as the North of Pole star. Polaris includes the main star (Polaris Aa) in orbit with a smaller companion (Polaris Ab). Polaris B was discovered in 1780 by William Herschel long after the nocturnal in the Malta Maritime Museum collection and its purpose became obsolete with the introduction of the marine chronometer in the 1760s. The earliest known image of a nocturnal can be traced back to a twelfth-century manuscript. Cosmographicus Liber (1530) by Peter Apianus and Martín Cortés de Albacars Arte de Navegar (1551) also feature interesting examples of nocturnals. Nocturnals were made either of brass or of wood. Examples found in wreck excavations have augmented the already known examples. Surviving noteworthy exemplars include the brass version by the Florentine Girolamo della Volpaia in the Museo Galileo (Florence) dated 1568, formerly in the Medici Collection, and an almost intact version in wood at the National Maritime Museum (Greenwich), which is probably of French manufacture and dates to 1588. The Malta Maritime Museum exemplar, was published for the first time in the exhibition catalogue of "Land of Sea" BOZAR, which took place at the Centre of Fine Arts in Brussels in 2017. It is one of a very small group of nocturnals or near-complete versions conserved in museums worldwide given that the only missing pieces are its suspension loop and sundial gnomon. The example features a series of disks, known as volvelle, mounted on and held together by a bolt and three ray nut attached to a main disk and handle. The only missing component is the suspension loop. The bolt-and-nut attachment is more common in the assembly of astrolabes, and this makes this example even the more a rare example. Nocturnals should not be confused with astrolabes used by navigators to determine local latitude at a given position at sea or land. The obverse side features four divisions of 90° each on the main disk with a slide chart or volvelle, marked in the centre with two sets of sundial hour lines, from 1 to 12, marked as Hora ante Meridiem and Hora post M(e)ridiem. This is also known as the Tabula Solis Motus or 'table of the sun's motion' and would show the mark of the sun's rays on the 12 zodiac signs at the outer edge of this volvelle. When unbolted and turned around, an engraved three sided square-like scale of as-yet-undetermined use can be seen on this volvelle. The reverse side of the instrument is the nocturnal mechanism proper. The zodiac scale is engraved on the outermost edge of the main disc with the 12 zodiac signs, complete with their symbols and Latin names in full, inserted in between a series of sub-divisions in degrees adding to 360°. The months of the Julian calendar are engraved further in, again with their Latin names inscribed in full. The date scale is divided into three ten-day sections per month. A toothed rotatable disk, the volvelle, is subdivided into two sets of anti-clockwise 12-hour markers, each tooth marking the full hour. Each hour is subdivided by four quarter-hour marks with a longer tooted pointer at 12 hours (midnight) engraved with the word "Index. An arm rotating over it, marked by the engraved words Stella Obseruanda, is interspaced with a hole representing the bright star showing off engraved rays. The circular pivot of this arm is also engraved with the words Stella Polaris and the date 1574. The correct function of this instrument is still elusive but we can presume how it worked. In order to read the time correctly, the nocturnal would be held from its handle, much like a hand-mirror, with the disks above the user's hands. The correct date was set, and the Polar Star sighted through the index arm observation hole. The correct time was set at the point when the arm crossed the marked disk./internal/media/dispatcher/7093/fullModel of a Catamaran1967Malta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 000118488986166A model of a sailing beachable Catamaran, created by the Malta Drydocks Apprentice Training Centre in 1967, by a group of Shipwright apprentices for their first year project. /internal/media/dispatcher/1785/fullHalf Model of Barque 'Maria Concetta'1800-1899MMM 000295488987167The shipwright's half hull model of a barque for the company German Brothers from Senglea. This ship bears the name of a family member. /internal/media/dispatcher/1617/fullModel of HMS Vanguard (1787)Norman SummersMMM 000418488988168HMS Vanguard was a 74-gun ship-of-the-line of the Royal Navy. In December 1797, Viscount Horatio Nelson was appointed to take command of HMS Vanguard and despatched to the Mediterranean, commanding seven ships in pursuit of a French squadron intent on capturing Malta and Egypt. /internal/media/dispatcher/1797/fullProposal Model of the French and Dockyard Creeks at Malta 1865MMM 000449488989169This model, presented by the National Maritime Museum of Greenwich in 1993, shows the French and Dockyard Creeks as formerly designed by Lieut. Colonel A. Clarke, R.E. Director of Works to the Admiralty in 1865. During this time, the Admiralty felt the need to expand its dockyard facilities in Malta. Since there was no available space in the Dockyard Creek, it was agreed that Senglea waterfront at the French Creek will be taken over./internal/media/dispatcher/1507/fullThe Amati Column1651MMM 000540488990170This column originates from the classical Roman period, and was re-shaped into an Arab funerary monument in later centuries, and was then once again re-shaped in 1651 to be turned into a commemoration monument of the Italian Knight, Fra Giulio Amati who funded Porto Amati (later known as Porto Pidocchio), as a safe port for galleys and small boats. This column was located on the Valletta Waterfront./internal/media/dispatcher/1591/fullModel of a Maltese Corsair Light Frigate1700-1799MMM 000576488991171An example of the 26-gun Frigate hull, favoured by Maltese corsairs. /internal/media/dispatcher/1571/fullModel of a Third Rate Ship-of-the-Line1700-1799MMM 000577488992172A 60-gun third rate ship-of-the-line, retractable didactic model, from the Nautical School of the Order of St. John. /internal/media/dispatcher/1565/fullEx-Voto Painting of the Battle Of Lepanto1500-1599Antonello RicciMMM 000591488993176On 7 October 1571, 132,000 men on 490 ships faced each other on two sides of the Gulf of Patras, near Lepanto, in modern-day Greece. It was the last major battle in history fought exclusively with rowing vessels. The Holy League carried 30,000 sailors and oarsmen, 35,000 soldiers, 206 Galleys, and 6 Galleasses, whilst the Ottoman and Maghrebi Fleet carried 37,000 sailors and oarsmen, 30,000 soldiers, 222 Galleys, and 56 Galliots and Fuste. At the Battle of Lepanto, the Holy League lost 13 Galleys, and between 7,500 and 10,000 men were killed. The Ottoman and Maghrebi Fleet had 50 Galleys and Galliots sunk or destroyed, 117 Galleys and 20 Galliots captured, and between 25,000 and 30,000 men killed. The composition of the Ex-Voto painting shows on the top part, the Virgin Mary and Child, flanked by St. John the Baptist, the patron Saint of the Order, on the left-hand side, and St. Lucia on the right-hand side. The Baptist's staff points towards the Christian fleet, whilst St. Lucia points the blade of her martyrdom towards the Ottoman fleet. These lead the viewer's eye towards the bottom panel of the painting. The Christian fleet on the left, consisted of many nationalities: Spanish, Neapolitan, Sicilian, Sardinian, Papal, Venetian, Genoese, Savoyard, Tuscan, Greek rebels and Maltese. In the centre left, one can see three galleys of Malta: the Santa Maria della Vittoria, San Giovanni, and San Pietro. At the extreme left, are the bulk of Papal and Imperial galleys, including the Capitana of Pope Pius V, and La Real, flagship of the Commander-in-Chief, Don Juan of Austria. Behind the royal squadron on the Christian side is a sword-wielding angel, symbolising that God is with the Christians. Across from them are Ottoman ships and galleys from the Maghreb. On them are ethnically Greek, Ottoman, and Arab men, but also North African corsairs and European renegades. The Ottoman fleet is depicted as spurred into action by a company of demons. At the lowest part of the composition, on the foreground kneels the donor of the painting, a Knight of the Order of St. John, presumably one who fought in the battle and was wounded, possibly on the galley San Pietro. His coat-of-arms is found at the bottom right, but is unfortunately partly lost. The presence of Santa Lucia in this painting, may symbolise the donor's wounds in his eyes or throat during battle. The message of the painting leaves no question as to the power of the prerogative of faith in late 16th century life./internal/media/dispatcher/1801/fullJolly Roger of HMS Safari (P211)MMM 000645488994177Jolly Roger flag flown by HMS Safari during the Second World War, showing the submarine's achievements against the enemy. The symbols on the flag represent the missions and kills by the submarine. - The bars on the left-hand side represent ships sunk by the submarine by a torpedo. The white bars show the number of merchant vessels sunk, whilst the red bars show the number of military vessels sunk. A split white bar shows that the operation was shared. - The stars on the right-hand side represent ships sunk by the submarine using a deck gun. In fact, the crossed cannons represent the use of a deck gun. The white stars show the number of merchant vessels sunk, whilst the red bars show the number of military vessels sunk. - The daggers represent special operations embarked on by the submarine. - The lighthouse shows that the submarine was used as a beacon. - The torch shows that the submarine participated during Operation Torch (8-16 November 1942)./internal/media/dispatcher/7099/fullFirilla (Unplanked)1800-1899MMM 000678488995179A firilla in the traditional "dgħajsa" boat shape. Double-ended with a tall stempost and sternpost. It was accessioned at the Museum as incomplete and unfinished. It was restored in-house in 2023./internal/media/dispatcher/5860/fullHMS Illustrious Badge MMM 000745489049181The crest badge of HMS Illustrious represents in front a trumpet erect two trumpets in saltire gold, topped with the naval crown. The aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious came to the Mediterranean with the convoy Operation Excess in 1941, but was immediately badly damaged by the Axis forces. The crippled aircraft carrier entered the Dockyard for repairs. On January 16, for the first time the German Luftwaffe appeared over the Maltese skies, their target HMS Illustrious. The air raids devastated the three maritime cities especially Senglea, and their citizens. The hard work of the Dockyard paid off, as Illustrious left Malta for Alexandria on 23 January. /internal/media/dispatcher/1473/fullCompass with Sundial1785-1790MMM 001187489048182A finely decorated 18th century Diptych Sundial and Compass in a portable wooden boxwood, with string gnomon, possibly of German origin. Similar compasses were attributed to Johann Georg Kleininger of Nuremberg, dating back to circa 1785- 1790. This miniature diptych dial consists of two leaves that fold flat when not in use. Leaf 1 exterior contains a deteriorated inscription which unfortunately is not legible. Leaf 1 interior contains the vertical dial with hour lines radiating from a central decorative motif. This leaf is decorated with borders and hand-painted grapes. Leaf 2 interior has the dial, where the cardinal points are possibly marked in German. The dial is surrounded by hour references. Both clock and leaf are surrounded by a decorative border, with hand-painted floral and vegetal motifs, namely two sunflowers. Leaf 2 exterior is blank. The leaves have a brass hook fastner./internal/media/dispatcher/1477/fullCompass with Sundial1700-1770Leonhard Andreas KarnerMMM 001188489047183A miniature Diptych dial for 49° North. It consists of two leaves that fold flat when not in use. Leaf 1 exterior is blank except for a double-lined border. Leaf 1 interior contains the vertical dial with hour-lines radiating from a double circle. Within the circle are five trefoil motifs and a snowflake motif. The leaf has a double-lined border. Leaf 2 interior features the compass with the hours for the horizontal dial set around it. The string gnomon is broken. The compass has the cardinal points marked in Latin and is offset 20° West of North to allow for magnetic variation. At the bottom of the leaf are three trefoil motifs and a double-lined border. A brass pin for keeping the leaves aligned when closed is on the bottom right. Leaf 2 exterior is blank. The leaves have a brass hook fastener and a single brass hook for holding the dial open. /internal/media/dispatcher/1804/fullModel of the tanker "OHIO" in wartime configurationEdward WyattMMM 001203489046184Oil tanker SS Ohio was constructed for the Texas Company (later Texaco). It became synonymous with Operation Pedestal, the most famous Malta convoy. /internal/media/dispatcher/1803/fullModel of HMS Upholder (P37)Edward WyattMMM 001246489045185The most successful Allied submarine in the Mediterranean. In December 1940, this U-class submarine was attached to the 10th Submarine Flotilla based at Manoel Island (Malta). It completed 24 patrols sinking 93,031 tons of enemy shipping. /internal/media/dispatcher/1600/fullEntrée de Napoleon a' MalteAlphonse GerardMMM 001380489044186Published in Musee des familles: lectures du soir, June 1869. /internal/media/dispatcher/5862/fullJack Staff PatternMMM 001456489043187/internal/media/dispatcher/5865/fullJack Staff Pattern13 July 1950MMM 001457489042188/internal/media/dispatcher/5869/fullJack Staff Pattern31 December 1958MMM 001458489041189/internal/media/dispatcher/5873/fullJack Staff PatternMMM 001459489040190/internal/media/dispatcher/7115/fullRoyal Navy Rear-Admiral Full Dress Uniform of Sir Nigel Cecil complete with Tin Commodity Box cased cocked hat and epaulettes MMM 002571489030200Including a Tin Commodity Box belonging to the Hon. HMA Cecil, containing bicorn hat, a pair of golden epaulettes (Captain's Rank) and sword belt./internal/media/dispatcher/1559/fullChain ShotMMM 002670489029201/internal/media/dispatcher/1941/fullM.D.D.C Apprentice Badge1969Malta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 003493488996206A crest badge that was created by the Apprentices Painters of the 1969 entry, in stencil, with gold and silver leaf. /internal/media/dispatcher/5849/fullYard Model of MV Malita IMO: 9176321Emmanuel GattMMM 003666488997208Three new double-ended passenger and vehicle ferries were to be entirely constructed by Malta Shipbuilding under a contract with Gozo Channel Line in 1996. One of them was the 1,100-ton Malita, which was delivered in 2002. All three are still in use connecting Malta and Gozo./internal/media/dispatcher/1792/fullYard Model of Chemical/ Oil Products Tanker "STAVTANK" IMO: 9056571Martin SammutMMM 003667488998209Shipbuilder's display model of the Chemical/ Oil products Tanker Stavtank. This model was in the Chairman's Office at the Malta Shipbuilding Company. The 5378-ton Stavtank was built for the Norwegian Company O.H. Meling & Co. by the Malta Shipbuilding in 1995. Although it changed its name on various occasions, this tanker still operates to this day, currently with the name 'Immanuel' under the Russian flag. /internal/media/dispatcher/1615/fullBust of Viscount Horatio NelsonR. Hornyold-StricklandMMM 003767488999211A bust of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronte, born 18 September 1758, died on 21 October 1805. /internal/media/dispatcher/1508/fullThe Assault on the Spur, Senglea 15 July 15652015IPMS MaltaMMM 004200489000214/internal/media/dispatcher/5920/fullVenetian 12-pounder Sagre1571BerettaMMM 004250489001215Dated ca. 1571 (re-inscribed in 1756). Possibly granted to the Order of St. John as aid or spoils some time after the Battle of Lepanto. One can note the lion of Saint Mark up and behind the muzzle, as well as an 1756 inscription fore of the cascabel by which time the gun may have attained a purely ceremonial role. /internal/media/dispatcher/5921/fullGrandmaster Alof de Wignacourt-period Sagre or Half Culverin1601-1622Bastiano VosMMM 004251489002216This gun has a substantially long barrel for its modest weight of shot, which would have been around 8 pounds. Later guns of a similar calibre became progressively shorter. /internal/media/dispatcher/5922/fullGrandmaster Carafa-period Cursier or Half Cannon1681Niepoort, The HagueMMM 004253489003217Commissioned by the Order of St. John from a Dutch foundry, this gun fired an iron ball of some 24 pounds. The Cursier was positioned on the galley in line with the central gangway, the Corsia, and was retracted into it before and after combat. /internal/media/dispatcher/5923/fullGrandmaster Nicolas Cotoner-period Moyana1680Gerolamo ContiMMM 004256489004218This gun fired a spherical iron ball of some 5 pounds. One of the most plainly decorated bronze guns in the maritime collection, this gun nevertheless features the distinctive cotton plant of the Cotoner family beneath the escutcheons of the Order and the Grandmaster./internal/media/dispatcher/5924/fullGrandmaster Carafa-period Moyana1680-1690Pietro Antonio FamucelliMMM 004257489005219The spherical iron projectile fired by this gun probably weighed some 5 pounds. One can note the bust of Grandmaster Gregorio Carafa on the top of the barrel, and a cascabel projecting from the rear of the gun in the shape of a Turk's head. /internal/media/dispatcher/1850/fullKannestru magħmul mill-qasab, bil-konz tal-qannebMMM 004448.2489006221Fishermen use this basket to collect the coiled longline in the traditional skill of stowing it (in Maltese, tiġmigħ) and placing the hooks along the cork accordingly./internal/media/dispatcher/1848/fullFish Hawker Badge no.204MMM 004461489007224The fish hawker badge was numbered uniquely for the owner. It was worn by the hawker with a band on the arm while purchasing fish intended for resale, on auction from the Fish Market. It was also used by the female relatives of fishermen who went into towns and villages selling fish. The Fisheries Department had issued such a metal badge to replace paper work which was inconvenient to carry around./internal/media/dispatcher/1486/fullTelescope1740-1760MMM 004557489008227Mid 18th century card bodied refracting Telescope covered with parchment decorated with flowers; eye-piece missing./internal/media/dispatcher/1594/fullCaptain Pietro Zelalich's Capture of Tunisian Corsairs on 18 July 17651765AnonymousMMM 004784489009229Pietro de Giovanni Zelalich (1731-1811, from Kotor, Montenegro) arrived in Malta as a mutinous slave on the Corona Ottomana in 1760 and became an active corsair in Malta. /internal/media/dispatcher/1619/fullPortrait of Emmanuele VitaleMMM 004859489010239Notary Emanuele Vitale (1758-1802) was one of the Maltese leaders of the National Assembly. He is pictured wearing one of the Blockade gold medals. /internal/media/dispatcher/1787/fullModel of the Brig Corriere (1826)Joseph AbelaMMM 004874489011241The Corriere was a 218-ton brig constructed by shipbuilder Giuseppe Camilleri of Cospicua on behalf of merchants Lorenzo Barbara of Cospicua and Pasquale Apap of Valletta. /internal/media/dispatcher/1607/fullLady Emma Hamilton's BedMMM 004879489012242The bed was brought from Naples to Malta by the Royal Navy. /internal/media/dispatcher/1812/fullTruncheon with Sling of the Admiralty ConstabularyMMM 005073489013243A truncheon issued to Police Constable No. 121 Joseph Micallef during his Admiralty Constabulary appointment between 1971 and 1979. /internal/media/dispatcher/1814/fullRevenue Security Corps Smith & Wesson Revolver Holster and SlingMMM 005074.3489014244A revolver holster with sling of Mr. Joseph Micallef during his appointment with the Armed Forces of Malta, starting 1 February 1979. He retired from the AFM in the grade of Lieutenant. /internal/media/dispatcher/1818/fullRedundancy Notice from the Office of the Civil Secretary of Constable Joseph Micallef31 October 1978MMM 005078489015245Redundancy notice of Mr. Joseph Micallef from Police Constable in view of the withdrawal of British Forces from Malta. /internal/media/dispatcher/1502/fullIsis and Sarapis Roman Anchor Stockc. 60 ADMMM 005104489016246Found in Qawra Bay, limits of St. Paul's Bay. The Egyptian goddess Isis and the Hellenistic god Serapis became symbols of Greco-Roman and Egyptian religious syncretism, a cult that originated in Alexandria. /internal/media/dispatcher/1767/fullFigurehead of Gregorio Mirabitur AnonymousMMM 005106489017247The Figurehead showcases the renowned shipbuilder Gregorio Mirabitur who was born on 18 June 1809, and lived in Senglea. Mirabitur died at the age of 77 on 15 January 1886. His firm ordered a figurehead representing his image in full profile along with his dog for one of their vessels. Since it resulted in such a realistic rendition, it was decided to retain the figurehead in the Firm’s office./internal/media/dispatcher/7091/fullArchitectural Drawing of "Monument f'ġieħ il-Ħaddiema mejtin u lit-Tarzna"1986J. M. AzzopardiMMM 005111489018248A drawing in plan elevation and frontal elevation with handwritten notes for the monument "Il-Ħaddiem li bix-xogħol jibni ma jmut qatt" at the entrance of the Dockyard which was erected as a memorial for deceased workers. It is signed by J.M Azzopardi Clock No: 177951 C.221./internal/media/dispatcher/1810/fullPortrait of Rear Admiral Sir Nigel Cecil, Last Commander of the British Forces in Malta 1980Raymond PitreMMM 005112489019249/internal/media/dispatcher/1897/fullLady travelling case for hats1880-1920Maddler KofferMMM 005115489020251A late 19th- early 20th century travelling case by Madler-Koffer, a brand of travel goods, which takes us back to La Belle Époque and its time of elegance. /internal/media/dispatcher/1833/fullFisherman's Weighing ScaleMMM 005116489021252Weighing scales, along with other tools such as fish baskets (in Maltese, kavetta) by the wives and daughters of fishermen to sell the catch of the day early in the morning. This supported the family's business. /internal/media/dispatcher/1957/fullPattern used for outside decorative lightingMMM 005123.6489022256The wooden pattern was used to cast exterior decorative lighting designs. /internal/media/dispatcher/1834/fullNassa tas-sajjiedaMMM 005161489023257The wicker fish trap is an important representation of maritime heritage. It has been re-invented, used and adapted across various cultures and periods in history. /internal/media/dispatcher/1609/fullAutograph Letter signed by Viscount Horatio Nelson, to Lady Emma Hamilton13 February 1800Viscount Horatio NelsonMMM 005163489024258An autograph letter, signed "BRONTE NELSON", to Lady Emma Hamilton. A quote from the letter reads: "...To say how I miss your house and company would be saying little; but in truth you and Sir William has [sic] so spoil'd me that I am not happy anywhere else but with you, nor have I an idea that I ever can be..." This letter acknowledges Nelson's emotions towards Lady Hamilton, while he was returning to the French blockade at Malta in the company of Lord Keith, the newly appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean station. /internal/media/dispatcher/1806/full12.7mm Breda Aircraft Machine GunSocietà Italiana Ernesto Breda - Società Anonima Fabbrica Armi Torino (Breda-SAFAT)MMM 005166489025259Italian heavy machine-gun commonly used by Italian fighter aircraft in action over Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/1807/full7.92mm MG 15 Machine GunRheinmetallMMM 005167489026260German machine-gun typically used by German aircraft in action over Malta. This model was modified for use by ground forces. /internal/media/dispatcher/7129/fullYard Model of Offshore Tug/ Supply Vessel Nan Hai 210 IMO: 8415445Malta Shipyard Company Ltd., MarsaMMM 005183489027269The 1405-ton Nan Hai 210 and sister-ship Nan Hai 211 were built by Malta Drydocks and Malta Shipbuilding in 1986, from Norwegian designs, for The National Oil Company of China. They are still in use today. /internal/media/dispatcher/5903/fullModel of a Shaping Machine1967Malta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 005189489028275/internal/media/dispatcher/5879/fullModel of a Reciprocating Engine with PistonMalta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 005190489053276/internal/media/dispatcher/5910/fullModel of ShearsMalta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 005192489054278/internal/media/dispatcher/5893/fullModel of a Triple Cylinder/ Radial Engine1966-1967Malta Dockyard ApprenticesMMM 005194489055280/internal/media/dispatcher/1953/fullMazzolaMMM 005200489056282It has a cylindrical head with three shallow grooves running along its width as decoration. The handle is inserted into the head and is lathe turned annd decorated, especially at the tip./internal/media/dispatcher/1955/fullMezzaJoseph EspositoMMM 005201489057283It still contains its wedge and plane. Has the markings JE./internal/media/dispatcher/1603/fullPrinted Notice of French Republican Government in Malta dated 6 July 17986 July 1798Jean Bosredon de RansijatMMM 005207489058286Printed in Year 6 of the French Revolution. The Government Commission requested that titles and certificates obtained under the previous government be destroyed on the National Feast of 14 July (Bastille Day). /internal/media/dispatcher/1606/fullCovering Letter on eight individuals imprisoned in Malta1798General Baron Etienne BrouardMMM 005208489059287Letter signed by General Baron Etienne Brouard (1768-1826), with the words "ARMÉE D'ITALIE" in the letterhead crossed off, giving prominence to "LIBERTÉ" and "ÉGALITÉ". /internal/media/dispatcher/1825/fullLetter of Marque outlining agreement between the British Admiralty and Captain Spiro Stanich from Gibraltar1809MMM 005209489060288Privateer Captain Spiro Stanich was authorised by the British to act against the enemies of "HIS BRITTANIC MAJESTY", thus continuing the centuries-old economic activity of Malta. /internal/media/dispatcher/1942/fullSingatur1920-1970MMM 005196489061289Black-coloured marking gauge with a missing wedge and marking knob. The head contains a large flat screw, which is inserted into a cavity decorated on the sides with metal inserts. The top part of the head contains a metal (copper?) plate nailed to it. A metal rod is inserted into a cavity present along the handle./internal/media/dispatcher/1945/fullMejlaq1920-1970MMM 005197489062290A hard surface used for fine sharpening of edge tools, enclosed within a wooden case with lid. Two hammered nails are coming through the base./internal/media/dispatcher/1948/fullBuvett1920-1970MMM 005198489063291It sports some basic decoration and metal inserts, surrounding nails and encasing the ends./internal/media/dispatcher/1951/fullGuliermJoseph EspositoMMM 005199489064292Contains both the wedge and plane. It is marked with the letters JE./internal/media/dispatcher/1967/fullHop Ball2013MMM 004750489065294This plastic toy ball meant for enjoyment served instead as a life saver for one of the many children that today cross the Mediterranean by boat in the search of a better life. /internal/media/dispatcher/1968/fullAutographed Letter signed by General Napoleon Bonaparte, ordering General Desaix to sail to Malta, prior to the Egyptian Expedition19 April 1798General Napoleon BonaparteMMM 004769489066296General Napoleon Bonaparte's (1769-1821) letter, dated 19 April 1798, instructs General Louis Desaix (1768-1800) with dispatch directions to the grand fleet that was to set sail for Malta. This letter was written at a crucial point in Bonaparte's career, especially in the light of Rear Admiral Horatio Nelson's (1758-1805) chasing of the French flotilla in the Mediterranean. It is adorned with the allegorical figure of the French Republic Marianne, carrying the Phyrgian cap and the fasces, as well as holding the signature of a young Bonaparte./internal/media/dispatcher/6770/fullNational Tourism Organisation of Malta (NTOM) Poster1994National Tourism Organisation of MaltaMMM 005215489067856A poster showcasing the promotion of a traditional Maltese vessel, one of Malta's icons of tangible heritage recognised worldwide. /internal/media/dispatcher/7065/fullFrench Infantry Sabre-BriquetMMM 003051489068862Dated to An XI (Year 11 of the French Revolution)./internal/media/dispatcher/7088/fullRoman base column converted into a well openingMMM 005093.2489069863Marble and other material were imported to Malta as they were not available on the resource-less rock. It was therefore important that sculpted material was repurposed. In pre-industrial societies such as the Middle Ages, an object was reused as much as possible. This certainly happened due to economic requirements, but it was also a way of survival on a tiny island. This Roman base column was converted into a well opening, showcasing the recycling behaviour in medieval Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/7069/fullGold Medal awarded to leaders of the Maltese for the zeal and courage shown during the defence of their country and for offering themselves to represent inhabitants of their Casali in the National Assembly1800LebrunMMM 005228489070864Gold Medal awarded to leaders of the Maltese for the zeal and courage shown during the defence of their country and for offering themselves to represent inhabitants of their Casali in the National Assembly. Possibly made by Lebrun, Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/7082/fullGold Medal awarded to leaders of the Maltese for the zeal and courage shown during the defence of their country and for offering themselves to represent inhabitants of their Casali in the National Assembly1800LebrunMMM 005229489071865Gold Medal awarded to leaders of the Maltese for the zeal and courage shown during the defence of their country and for offering themselves to represent inhabitants of their Casali in the National Assembly. Possibly made by Lebrun, Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/7083/fullSilver Medal of Giovanni Maria Cassar1800LebrunMMM 005230489072866Silver Medal of Giovanni Maria Cassar, a priest who mortgaged his property to procure provisions for the Birkirkara Battalion. Possibly made by Lebrun, Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/7084/fullSilver Medal of Paolo Borg, a medical doctor from Birkirkara1800LebrunMMM 005231489073867Silver Medal of Paolo Borg, a medical doctor from Birkirkara who contributed funds towards the upkeep of the Birkirkara Battalion. Possibly made by Lebrun, Malta./internal/media/dispatcher/7071/fullJacket of the Malta Light Infantry Battalion UniformETHN-F-171489074868Cotton summer uniform, composed of a jacket and a pair of trousers worn by Maltese soldiers in the Maltese Light Infantry Battalion of the British Army in 1800-1802. This was the first Maltese battalion under the British flag. /internal/media/dispatcher/7073/fullTrousers of the Malta Light Infantry Battalion UniformETHN-F-285489075869Cotton summer uniform, composed of a jacket and a pair of trousers worn by Maltese soldiers in the Maltese Light Infantry Battalion of the British Army in 1800-1802. This was the first Maltese battalion under the British flag. /internal/media/dispatcher/7072/fullSolar Wheel Sherd3800 - 2500 BCEQ/P 55489078872Retrieved at Ħaġar Qim. /internal/media/dispatcher/7081/fullShark's Tooth in GlobigerinaNHM_Pal.2065489079873A Megalodon was an enormous shark, whose name means "big tooth". It lived between 23 and 3.6 million years ago, during the Early Miocene to the Pilocene Epoch. The fossilised teeth of these sharks were known since Medieval times as 'Tongue of St. Paul' and were collected and exported as amulets./internal/media/dispatcher/7070/fullShark's ToothNHM_Pal.2001489080874A Megalodon was an enormous shark, whose name means "big tooth". It lived between 23 and 3.6 million years ago, during the Early Miocene to the Pilocene Epoch. The fossilised teeth of these sharks were known since Medieval times as 'Tongue of St. Paul' and were collected and exported as amulets./internal/media/dispatcher/13590/fullModel of a Section of a Gun Deck with two gunsMMM 0026784890821188/internal/media/dispatcher/13603/fullA Maltese Corsair ship, sailing in Marsamxett harbour with prize in towAnonymousMMM 0052194890831189/internal/media/dispatcher/13606/full18-pounder CannonballMMM 0054484890841190/internal/media/dispatcher/13604/fullHourglassMMM 0053154890851191/internal/media/dispatcher/21978/fullFishing SinkerMMM 0054524890861326Stone fishing sinker/ weight with one perforation, probably used as an end sinker for nets, to position traps, or to position a line or long line.