Bulletin No. 74 - The Waterloo Despatch

Welcome to the 74th edition of the bulletin, fortuitously coinciding with Waterloo Day. In a new departure from our usual fare our first offering comes in the form of the renowned British long sea service flintlock pistol. Deadly both as firearm and cudgel, these pistols saw action in the American War of Independence, French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Our example is a powerful reminder of the ferocity of shipboard combat.

The Napoleonic age is well represented in our other top picks this time round, including a fine small scale portrait of Waterloo veteran and celebrated officer of the 95th Rifles, Sir Harry Smith; an Imperial Foot Guard’s bearskin plate; a relic of the Tuileries Palace and a striking full length portrait of Imperial Dragoon Colonel Jean-Pierre Treuille de Beaulieu (1768-1861).

We have other less martial treasures too, of particular note this time is an early gold brooch dating to 1820 which would make it the great-grandfather of the Regimental brooches still worn and enjoyed today. Finally we round up the Bulletin with a poignant reminder of sacrifice and heroism in the form of a portrait miniature of Captain Jeremiah Crampton of the 95th Rifles, late Ancient Irish Regiment, who gave his life in the Forlorn Hope at Badajoz in 1812. Whilst the powder smoke may hang heavy in the air, we also have a whole host of other items on the website ranging across three continents and some 250 years of history, so please do click through to see all our new additions.

All the best, 
James, Toby, George & Wesley