Lock of Nelson’s hair to sell in Newcastle

A lock of Lord Nelson’s hair is set to go under the hammer at Anderson and Garland’s Militaria auction in Newcastle on April 30.

The rare and historically important item is mounted in a presentation case alongside a miniature portrait of the celebrated naval hero. The lock is accompanied by a piece of yellow silk and gold lace ‘taken’ from Nelson’s left epaulette, which according to a note that comes with the lock, is the very one pierced by the musket ball that struck him during the Battle of Trafalgar on October 21, 1805.

According to the inscription, the hair was originally given by Dr William Beatty, ship’s surgeon aboard HMS Victory, to Lady Emma Hamilton. From her, it passed through several hands, including Mrs Terence Marrath, wife of a well-known tenor, then to Miss Sarah Henn, and finally to G E R Dalton in 1876, who mounted the hair in its current frame.

A laboratory certificate confirming DNA sequencing of three strands of the hair is included, further supporting its authenticity. Image: Anderson and Garland

“This is a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of British naval history,” said Fred Wyrley-Birch, Militaria Specialist at Anderson and Garland. “Not only is this an item of immense historical importance, but it also offers a deeply personal connection to Nelson and his final moments aboard HMS Victory.”

The lot is offered from the estate of Peter William Fitzgerald Cochrane of Rusko Tower, Gatehouse of Fleet, Scotland, and has descended through the family.