This antique silk banner is an extraordinary relic.
It is a thing of beauty. Aged and worn, full of grace and grandeur, with a powerful presence of its own.
And within its fibres it holds the memory of an extraordinary moment in history. Because it was present at one of the greatest British spectacles of the 19th century.
The state funeral of the Duke of Wellington.
On November 18, 1852 it was carried through the streets of London to St Paul's Cathedral as part of the grand procession. Ever since that day it has been preserved in its original condition, for more than 170 years.
And its appearance on the market today is a rare opportunity indeed.
In tribute to the Iron Duke.
"The actions of his life were extraordinary, but his character was equal to his actions."
The Times, September 15, 1852
Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769 - 1852) is one of Britain's greatest military figures.
His victories against his nemesis Napoleon, including at the decisive Battle of Waterloo in 1815, earned him the status of a national hero. He later served twice as Prime Minister, and the poet laureate Alfred, Lord Tennyson called him simply "the last great Englishman".
And when he died on September 14, 1852 there was an outpouring of grief across the nation and Europe. Queen Victoria was deeply upset by the loss, and later stated:
“He was the GREATEST man this country ever produced, and the most devoted and loyal subject, and the staunchest supporter the Crown ever had.”
She insisted Wellington would be interred at St Paul’s Cathedral, and given one of the largest state funerals in British history. And she was true to her word.
An occasion that lives long in the nation's memory.
On November 18, 1852, an estimated 1.5 million people lined the streets of London to solemnly pay their respects. The poet Thomas Cooper wrote:
"The funeral of the Great Duke was the most impressive grand spectacle I ever beheld... The conqueror of Napoleon had disappeared... He was an institution in himself. We all felt as if we lived, now he was dead, in a different England.”
10,000 soldiers, representing every regiment of the British Army, took part in the parade which stretched back two miles and lasted more than four hours.
At the rear was Wellington's enormous funeral carriage, draped in flags and banners.
Cast in 12 tonnes of solid bronze from French cannons captured at Waterloo, it stood 17 feet tall and 27 feet long, and was pulled by a team of 12 horses.
(At one point the carriage almost tipped over when its huge wheels began to sink in the mud. It took 60 policemen to haul it up straight, and Wellington's coffin was only saved from falling off by its copper wire attachments.)
When the procession reached St Paul's Cathedral, up to 20,000 people were packed into the galleries to witness the service. The Illustrated London News reported:
“No one can hope worthily to describe the splendour, magnificence, and solemnity of that great state pageant. [London] never before presented a scene so amazing to men of other lands, or even to her own sons.”
This silk banner was present on that day.
It was part of that procession, carried solemnly through the streets to St Paul's Cathedral as the nation mourned.
It's beautifully aged, with just the right amount of distress and wear that gives it a real sense of character. Seen up close, the hand embroidery is exquisite, and every detail relates to Wellington's achievements.
Its central design features a Maltese Cross in sombre black silk - a symbol of protection, used for centuries as a military badge of honour.
The cross is symbolic of the dozens of titles, honours, military awards and medals Wellington received during his life, from nations across Europe.
The heart of the Maltese Cross contains an image of Wellington's Field Marshall baton surmounted by a coronet.
Wellington was the first British General ever presented with such a baton, following his victory against Napoelon's army in Spain in 1813. He received it from the Prince Regent, George VI, who wrote to Wellington:
"The British Army will hail it with rapturous enthusiasm, while the whole Universe will acknowledge those valorous exploits which have so imperiously called for it."
Throughout his career Wellington was given the title of Field Marshal by the armies of eight nations, and each presented him with a baton. These batons were placed alongside his coffin as he lay in state, and were later carried during his funeral procession.
Above the cross is Wellington's personal crest, featuring a lion emerging from a ducal coronet.
This crest was added to his coat of arms when he became Duke in 1814, along with the motto 'Virtutis Fortuna Comes': Fortune favours the brave.
The title was created for Wellington as a conquering hero, to celebrate his victories in France which resulted in Napoleon's defeat and abdication.
Your opportunity to own something remarkable.
The fact that this delicate, hand-embroidered silk banner was present at the Duke of Wellington's funeral, and is still intact after more than 170 years, is something I find incredible.
It comes directly from the estate of a renowned military collector, who clearly understood its supreme rarity and historic significance.
The banner is housed in a vintage gold frame from the renowned Rowley Gallery in London, to an impressive size of 30 by 34 inches.
It is without doubt a display piece of the highest order, and a magnificent focal point for your collection.
We often speak about the importance of preserving history, and as collectors we find joy and pride in owning rare relics from the past.
This banner is the epitome of all that. It really is part of our nation's heritage.
As a collector, it's your job to protect these special objects and pass them down. You can take great pride in owning them as you do. And I guarantee you'll never find another piece like this ever again.
Like Wellington himself, it is a truly glorious one-off.
This historic funeral banner is available to purchase now for £12,000.
For further enquiries, email info@paulfrasercollectibles.com or call +44 (0) 1534 639998.
