Orphaned in his youth, Van Speyk, originally trained to become a tailor, embarked on a seafaring life and gained entry into the Royal Dutch Navy in 1820. Following several years in the East Indies, where he earned the moniker ‘Schrik der roovers,’ (fear of the robbers). Van Speyk assumed the role of commander aboard gunboat N2 during the Belgian uprising. 193 years ago, in 1831, this Dutch naval hero J.C.J. van Speyk banged himself into history by detonating his ship.

Read more about Van Speyk in our in-depth-article from February 2024.

Attributed to ‘De Drie Klokken’ (The Three Bells) factory

Decorated in the center with a portrait of Commander J.C.J. van Speyk within a jagged gear decoration