A pair of 17th century copper stirrups made for Charles I are to sell at Christie’s.
They’re offered in the Exceptional Sale in London on July 7, with an estimate of £40,000-60,000 ($50,760-76,140).
They bear the initials CR (Charles Rex) and the date 1626.
The Battle of the Boyne remains a flashpoint in Irish history
What makes them truly special is their association with William of Orange, who used them at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The Protestant Charles II (son of Charles I) was succeeded by the Catholic James II in 1685.
William, originally from the Netherlands, was a grandson of Charles I. In 1688, he invaded England – an event known as the Glorious Revolution.
After his defeat in England James fled to Ireland, where he enjoyed strong support among Catholics, but was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne and forced into exile in France.
This battle remains a flashpoint in Northern Ireland.
The date (July 12) is commemorated each year in a controversial march by the Orange Order, a sectarian Protestant group named for William of Orange, and other unionist groups that want Northern Ireland to remain part of the UK.
The marches have been the cause of violence between Catholic and Protestant communities.
Christie’s explains: “William’s use of accoutrements belonging to his grandfather, Charles I, such as these stirrups, was a symbolic gesture…
“It is believed that no other pairs of 17th-century stirrups with a royal association are known to survive.”
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