A memorial brooch containing hair belonging to Admiral Lord Nelson will go under the hammer at Cheffins in Cambridge as part of the company’s Fine Sale on 22nd September.
The gilt metal brooch is engraved ‘Lord Nelson’s Hair’ and is being sold by a descendant of William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock (1753 – 1825), who fought alongside Nelson at the Battle of Cape St Vincent on 14th February 1797. It carries an estimate of £2,000 - £4,000.
Coming from the same collection is a memorial snuff box, the cover of which is inset with a silvered metal portrait medallion of Admiral Lord Nelson and is estimated at £300 - £500.
Nicolas Martineau, Director at Cheffins Fine Art Auctioneers comments:
“The Battle of Cape St Vincent was certainly notable in Nelson’s career and showed him, as so often was the case, a brilliant if not reckless tactician. It was these examples of daring and bravery that went on to make him the most celebrated figure in British naval history. These lots come to the market for the first time with watertight provenance having been in continuous ownership since they were received by William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock”.
William Waldegrave, 1st Baron Radstock, was the second son of John Waldegrave, 3rd Earl Waldegrave. On entering the Royal Navy in 1766 at the age of 13, he rose quickly through the ranks, being given his first command in HMS Zephyr in 1775. He was promoted to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1794 and Vice Admiral in 1795. As third in command at the Battle of Cape St Vincent, 14th February 1797, on board HMS Barfleur, Waldegrave was awarded a baronetcy for his successful involvement which he declined on the grounds that being the son of an earl already gave him a higher station. In May of that year, he was granted the governorship of the North American colony of Newfoundland where, apart from military and judicial matters, he was committed to the relief of the poor - setting up a fund to which he was personally a generous benefactor. On his return to England in 1800, he was created an Irish peer - 1st Baron Radstock, of Castletown in the Queen’s County.
Auction: The Fine Sale – 21st and 22nd September 2022 from 10am
Location: Cheffins, Clifton House, 1-2 Clifton Road, Cambridge, UK, CB1 7EA