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A lock of Lord Nelson’s hair, an extraordinary artifact steeped in British naval history, is set to be auctioned by Anderson and Garland in Newcastle on April 30, 2024. This historically significant item is mounted in a presentation case alongside a miniature portrait of Admiral Horatio Nelson, one of Britain’s most celebrated naval heroes. The lock of hair is accompanied by a fragment of yellow silk and gold lace, said to have been taken from Nelson’s left epaulette—the very one pierced by the musket ball that fatally wounded him during the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.
The provenance of this relic traces back to Dr. William Beatty, the ship’s surgeon aboard HMS Victory, who reportedly presented the lock of hair to Lady Emma Hamilton, Nelson’s close confidante and lover. From Lady Hamilton, the hair passed through the hands of several notable individuals, including Mrs. Terence Marrath, the wife of a renowned tenor, and Miss Sarah Henn. In 1876, G.E.R. Dalton acquired the hair and mounted it in its current frame, preserving it for future generations.
Adding to its authenticity, the lot includes a laboratory certificate confirming the DNA sequencing of three strands of the hair, providing scientific validation of its origins. This rare artifact offers a profoundly personal connection to Nelson, capturing a poignant moment in history as he met his end aboard HMS Victory.
Fred Wyrley-Birch, Militaria Specialist at Anderson and Garland, emphasized the significance of this item, stating, “This is a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of British naval history. 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.”
The lock of hair forms part of the estate of Peter William Fitzgerald Cochrane of Rusko Tower, Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland, and has been passed down through the Cochrane family. Its inclusion in the Militaria auction highlights its status as a unique and evocative piece of memorabilia from one of Britain’s most iconic historical figures.
Historical Context
Lord Nelson’s legacy is indelibly linked to the Battle of Trafalgar, fought against the combined fleets of France and Spain during the Napoleonic Wars. Nelson’s innovative tactics and leadership secured a decisive victory for the Royal Navy, ensuring British naval dominance for the next century. However, his triumph came at the cost of his life. Struck by a musket ball during the battle, Nelson was carried below deck, where he succumbed to his wounds. His final hours were marked by expressions of concern for his fleet and his famous last words, “Thank God, I have done my duty.”
Nelson’s death was mourned across Britain, and his legacy as a national hero endures to this day. Relics associated with him hold immense historical and sentimental value, offering a tangible link to his extraordinary life and achievements. This lock of hair, preserved with such care and accompanied by documentation tracing its provenance, serves as a poignant reminder of Nelson’s humanity and the personal sacrifices made in service of his country.
The Role of Dr. William Beatty
Dr. William Beatty’s role in preserving this relic underscores the solemnity of Nelson’s final moments. As the ship’s surgeon aboard HMS Victory, Beatty attended to Nelson after he was struck by the fatal musket ball. Following Nelson’s death, Beatty oversaw the preservation of his body for the return journey to England, where Nelson was accorded a state funeral. Beatty’s decision to present the lock of hair to Lady Emma Hamilton reflects the intimate bonds forged during Nelson’s life and the enduring impact of his death on those who knew him.
The Journey of the Lock of Hair
The lock of hair’s journey from Nelson’s deathbed to the present day is a testament to its enduring significance. Lady Emma Hamilton, who shared a close relationship with Nelson, would have cherished this relic as a deeply personal memento. Its subsequent passage through the hands of Mrs. Terence Marrath, Miss Sarah Henn, and G.E.R. Dalton highlights the reverence with which it has been treated over the centuries. Each custodian of this artifact has played a role in preserving its legacy, ensuring its survival as a tangible piece of history.
The Importance of Certification
The inclusion of a laboratory certificate confirming the DNA sequencing of the hair adds a layer of scientific authenticity to this historical artifact. In an era where provenance and authenticity are paramount, such documentation provides reassurance to collectors and historians alike. The ability to trace the hair’s origins through DNA analysis underscores its significance and enhances its appeal as a rare and valuable collectible.
A Connection to Nelson’s Humanity
Beyond its historical and scientific value, the lock of hair offers a deeply personal connection to Nelson as an individual. It serves as a reminder of his mortality and the human cost of war, contrasting with the larger-than-life heroism for which he is remembered. This artifact invites reflection on the man behind the legend, capturing a moment of vulnerability and sacrifice that defined his legacy.
The Auction’s Significance
The inclusion of this lot in Anderson and Garland’s Militaria auction underscores the enduring fascination with Lord Nelson and the artifacts associated with his life and death. Such items hold immense appeal for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts of British naval history, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in the nation’s past. The auction provides a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of history that embodies the courage, leadership, and sacrifice of one of Britain’s greatest heroes.
Conclusion
The lock of Lord Nelson’s hair set to be auctioned by Anderson and Garland is more than a historical artifact; it is a poignant reminder of the man behind the legend and the sacrifices made in service of a greater cause. Its provenance, certification, and personal significance make it a unique and valuable piece of British naval history. As it goes under the hammer, it offers collectors and history enthusiasts alike the chance to own a tangible connection to one of the most iconic figures in British history.
This relic encapsulates the essence of Nelson’s legacy—his humanity, his heroism, and his enduring impact on the nation he served. Its auction marks a significant moment in the preservation and celebration of British history, ensuring that Nelson’s story continues to inspire future generations.
