United Kingdom. A Historically Important Order Of The Garter Of The First Duke Of Wellington, Sir Arthur Wellesley

A well-documented and historically important K.G’s garter, as worn by Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, and, as such, probably the only notable example of his insignia ever likely to appear on the market.

The Most Noble Order of the Garter, K.G., Knight’s blue silk garter, the obverse presenting the embroidered motto HONI SOIT QVI MAL Y PENSE in silver bullion with a bullion border and decorative end with floral effect, and featuring a gold buckle and cone shaped steel pin at the opposing end, the reverse is plain with a central stitch, measuring 20.6mm (w) x 450mm (l), weighs 21.9 grams, an early 19th century Garter presenting wear to the bullion border especially in the latter half, the reverse presents sections of central wear and small holes, minor discolouration, slight damage consistent with wear, in overall very fine condition.

Provenance: This group belonged to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who gave it to his valet, John Mugford. The latter’s widow was later a pensioner of Emanuel Hospital, Westminster, where she gave it to the wife of the Chaplain and Master, the Rev. R. J. Waters, D.D. On Mrs. Waters’ death, the Garter passed to her son-in-law, John F. Dickson, who in turn gave it to his brother, the Rev. R. Bruce Dickson, onetime resident of Speen Lodge, Wendover, Buckinghamshire, in 1866. The latter was certainly still alive - and in possession of the Garter - in 1932, but by early 1943 it had been passed for disposal to a ‘well-known charity organisation’, who sold it to Sir Harry Fildes, M.P., through A. H. Baldwin & Sons. Sir Harry died in July 1948, thence by descent to Sotheby’s, 19 May 2000 (Lot 23), and to the present vendor.

Footnote: Field Marshall Arthur Wellesley, born May 1, 1769, was an Ango-Irish soldier and Tory statesmen, a leading political and military figure of 19th century Britain. Most notable for defeating Napoleon in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the Duke of Wellington served twice as prime minister.

In the late 1790s, Wellesley saw action in the Netherland and India (the Battle of Seringapatam), when he served with the British Army as an ensign. In 1799, he was appointed governor of Seringapatam and Mysore. By 1803, he was appointed major-general following a decisive victory over the Maratha Confederacy.

During the Napoleonic Wars, Wellesley rose in the ranks to General during the Peninsular campaign, and to Field marshal after leading the allied forces during the Battle of Vitoria in 1813, and emerging victorious. He was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Garter in March 1813. He served as the ambassador to France in 1814 and was granted a dukedom. In 1815, he commanded the allied army, together with Prussian forces, to defeat Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo.

Over the course of his military career, Wellington participated in approximately 60 battles, created a most exemplary record. He is regarded as one of the greatest defensive commanders in history. His military tactics and plans are still studied in various military academies around the world. Following his astonishing military career, Wellington returned to politics and served twice as the British Prime Minister and as a member of the Tory party. He remained an important individual in the House of Lords and remained the Commander-in-Chief of the British Army until his death on September 14, 1852.