Hair from the Duke of Wellington's Horse

Two locks of hair from the mane of Copenhagen, the Duke of Wellington's horse. WITH Autograph note signed by H.N. Foucaus. Stratfield Saye, [Hampshire, England], 1835. 1 page, 8vo. Docketed to verso.

The contemporary note reads in full: "Taken by me / From the mane of the horse "Copenhagen" the property of the Duke of Wellington. Copenhagen was used by the Duke as his Charger at the Battle of Waterloo. H.N. Foucaus(?). Stratfield Saye. 1835. A male Chestnut Horse."

Copenhagen (1808-1836) is best remembered as the Duke of Wellington's war horse that he famously rode at the Battle of Waterloo, marking the end of the Napoleonic wars. Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington (1769-1852), acquired Copenhagen in 1812 after a brief racing career. He was the Duke's horse during a number of battles, and most importantly, in the Battle of Waterloo, carrying him for a continuous 17 hours. Wellington said of Copenhagen, "There may have been many faster horses, no doubt many handsomer, but for bottom and endurance, I never saw his fellow."

After the Battle of Waterloo, Copenhagen continued to be employed by the Duke in parades and ceremonial events. Living in luxury in retirement, Copenhagen was known to enjoy "being noticed" and receiving sugary "dainties" such as "sponge cakes, bath buns and chocolate creams." Upon Copenhagen’s death, he was buried with full military honors at the Duke's residence, Stratfield Saye House.

Provenance: Lot 13, Royalty, Fine Art & Antiques Sale, Reeman Dansie, 20-21 November 2018. Found in a gentleman's toilet box dated 1839 (lot 551 in the same auction). A copy of this catalogue is included with the lot.

[Napoleon Bonaparte, Duke of Wellington, Battle of Waterloo, War of the Seventh Coalition, Napoleonic Wars, Manuscripts, Ephemera, Documents]