Historic hair under the hammer
A lock of hair from history will be up for sale in Newcastle this week. Tony Henderson reports.
A lock of hair taken from one of Britain’s greatest military heroes after his death in battle is to be auctioned on Tyneside.
Mounted in a presentation case alongside a miniature portrait of Lord Horatio Nelson, the lock is accompanied by a piece of yellow silk and gold lace from his left uniform epaulette.
According to a note that comes with the lock, this is parr of the epaulette pierced by the musket ball that struck him through the shoulder during the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21 1805.
The item, to be offered in Newcastle on Wednesday (April 30) in auctioneers Anderson & Garland’s militaria sale, is estimated at £7,000-£10,000.
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According to the inscription with the lot, the hair was originally given by Dr William Beatty, ship’s surgeon aboard HMS Victory, to Lady Emma Hamilton.
From her, it passed through several hands before being mounted in 1876, in its current frame.
A laboratory certificate confirming DNA sequencing of three strands of the hair is included, further supporting its authenticity.
“This is a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of British naval history,” said Fred Wyrley-Birch, militaria specialist at Anderson and Garland.
“Not only is this an item of immense historical importance, but it also offers a deeply personal connection to Nelson and his final moments aboard HMS Victory.”
A collection of the honours of one of the most decorated medical officers in British military history - Surgeon General Sir Edmond Townsend who served from 1867 to 1905 and died in 1917 - was brought to an Anderson & Garland valuation day in Alnwick.
It will feature in the sale with an estimate of £7,000-£9,000.
Another highlight of the sale is a Second World War-nurse’s cape belonging to Edith M.A. Brewis of Wylam in Northumberland.
Stitched across the fabric are insignias and badges from the soldiers she treated: British, American, and German soldiers she treated. It is estimated to sell for between £400 and £600.
Mr Wyrley-Birch said: “This cape offers a fascinating insight into the life of Edith Brewis and the diverse range of servicemen she treated.
“Like many dedicated medical staff during the war, she cared for wounded personnel from all sides, and the cape stands as a visual testament to that extraordinary service.”