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Title Lord Raglan's despatch folder/blotter
Nationality British
Period c 1852
Sold

This magnificent tooled leather despatch folder (10.5 x 15.25 inches) displays the coat of arms of the Master General of the Ordnance (the mural crown indicates the Tower of London, which was the headquarters of the Royal Ordnance department at this period). Lord Raglan was the last holder of this office, from 1852 to his death in 1855.

Pushed in a corner within the case is an old handwritten note in pencil which says: 'Lord Raglan, Grand Pappas despatch folder'. Lord Raglan was Wellington's military secretary at Waterloo, where he lost an arm, and went on to command the British army after his mentor's death in 1852 and died, in all probability, of the stress induced by the failure of the Charge of the Light Brigade in the winter of 1854 and the assault on the Redan in 1855.

This item was bought from a distant relative by marriage of the Raglan family, who had inherited it from Lord Raglan's direct descendants. Items of this importance rarely come on the market.

The leather is black morocco with gold tooling, the central device being gold on an emerald green shield (which does not show in these photos). The internal marbling and, indeed, the whole folder is in good condition, perhaps reflecting the short period of its official use. There is some wear to the spine, which is to be expected for its age. However, there are no repairs.

If you want to comment on this item—re quality, age, etc—please email me.


[Militaria : Miscellaneous : British : 19th Century]

testimonials

The cavalry sword arrived safely this morning, very pleased with it. Many thanks.

S G, UK, 20.01.2009

You worked your magic again. The knife arrived this afternoon without any problem. [My husband] is quite delighted with it.

J J, Canada, 07.11.2006

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