Money is pouring in to the National Maritime Museum as we race against time to save remarkable Nelson relics from being scattered abroad.
With only two days to go before the Trafalgar Day auction of treasures amassed and preserved by the Norfolk-raised naval hero's closest male friend, hopes are rising that key items may yet be rescued.
The Sotheby's sale of the Alexander Davison collection ranges from a blood-stained purse with 21 gold coins which was in the admiral's pocket when he fell, to a diamond anchor brooch entwined with the initials HN.
In addition there are swords, guns, medals, porcelain, glass and plate %u2013 all having been packed away in trunks and unseen for almost 200 years.
But the heart of the collection may lie in scores of letters which throw new light on the love triangle between Nelson, his mistress Emma Hamilton and Frances, his deserted wife.
