Admiral Horatio Nelson Authentic Antique Lock of Hair, 19th Century

A handwritten note by Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, dated July 7 1801. Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) was a British naval officer famous for his...

- A hugely rare and intimate piece of British history: Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson's snuff box - Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson (1758–1805) is one of the most celebrated figures in British history, best remembered for his heroic efforts during the Napoleonic wars. Nelson's career as a naval officer saw him lead the British fleet to several victories, during which he suffered injuries, including the loss of his right arm and the sight in his right eye. His most famous victory came in October 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, in which the Royal Navy decimated the combined fleets of the French and Spanish navies. Prior to the battle, Nelson sent out the famous message "England expects that every man will do his duty". Tragically, he was shot by a French sniper and died on board his ship the HMS Victory mid battle. His body was returned to England where he was granted a state funeral, and numerous monuments were erected in his honor, including Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London. This tortoiseshell composition snuff box was originally owned by Lord Nelson, and features a miniature watercolor scene of the Amalfi coast on the top. The box was gifted by Nelson to his personal secretary George Unwin, during a dinner party in Sicily in late 1798 or early 1799 which was also attended by Nelson's mistress, Emma, Lady Hamilton. Nelson had first met Hamilton in 1793 and the pair were reunited in 1798 following the Battle of the Nile. Having been severely injured, Nelson recuperated in Naples, during which time he was nursed back to health by Lady Emma and her elderly husband, Sir William Hamilton. It was during this period that Nelson and Hamilton began their famous love affair, which lasted until Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It seems highly possible that Nelson gave this gift to Unwin as a show of generosity, in an attempt to impress his mistress over dinner. The snuff box is offered along with a manuscript letter by Unwin's son, George, which reads in full: "My Father had either lost his own snuff box on going ashore or in some shop in Palermo and upon mentioning the circumstances at Lady Hamilton’s table where Lord Nelson was one of the party his Lordship...

King William IV took to the throne following the death of his brother, George IV. He’s remembered as a humble ruler, who oversaw fundamental reforms in...

A guaranteed genuine half inch strand of Prince Albert Victor's hair Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence and Avondale (1864-1892) was the g...

Princess Alice nursed her father Prince Albert as he lay on his deathbed. She retained an interest in medicine for the rest of her life. Soon after her marriage to the German prince Louis IV in 1862, Germany became embroiled in the Austro-Prussian War (1866). Alice devoted much of her attention to working in field hospitals...

Princess Helena was born to Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1846 and spent her life campaigning for reforms in nursing. She was a founding member of the British Red Cross and also served as president of the Royal British Nurse's Association. This authentic half inch strand of Princess Helena’s hair is a fascinating piece of royal memorabilia...

This elegant ladies purse was handwoven in France, circa 1860. The small, antique purse is handmade using colorful Aubusson tapestry. The tapestry features two different scenes. On o...

Game box, 19th century. Napoleon III period game box, 19th century in precious wood marquetry. Measures: H: 5 cm, W: 22 cm, D: 13 cm.

Steel and gilt bronze humidor by premier, New York manufacturer, E.F. Caldwell & Co.

19th c. Charming antique miniature chest of drawers. The chest has a marble top. The case is figured mahogany, with four stacked drawers, the ...

This beautiful French late 19th century chest of drawers in black ebonized wood and cherrywood reproduces with perfect proportions in scale a miniature cabinet with three drawers and an upper flap door that opens to reveal a white marble top and an oval mirror inside, nice hand carved band on top with geometrical pattern and molded base. The black lacquered wood creates a wonderful contrast with the beautiful honey-colored wood grain. Despite its convenient size, extremely detailed, this chest of drawers is equipped with a white Carrara marble top and a small mirror that make it even more special and useful. The model of a piece of furniture was originally created by cabinet makers to show their skills to the customer and to present the sample of the furniture which would then have been produced on a larger scale. These commode miniatures, along with other specimens, were displayed in the craftsman's workshop to serve as examples to aid the potential client in making a selection. Some also think that these little chests were used as doll and puppets...

Lovely antique game box, made of mahogany. The box contains several games, with many bits and pieces. Not all complete. It is obviously that there h...