A Victorian memento mori of the 17th lancers, circa 1870

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A Victorian memento mori of the 17th lancers, circa 1870
In the form of a cigar cutter, the cutter modelled as a mortar, flanked by another mortar forming the vesta, centred by an automaton ivory model of a human skeleton, with articulated jaw and eyes, operated by a button to the reverse, mounted on an ebony stand with match strike, fitted in an oak case modelled as a sentry box, with doors to the front and sides, the front inset with a canvas panel, painted in oils with the standing figure of a Lancer in full uniform holding a spear, the gabled front applied with the silver Lancers insignia badge of skull and cross-bones with the cartouche inscribed OR GLORY
18in. (45.5cm) high

Lot Essay

''Death or Glory''

This very unusual cigar cutter was almost certainly a special commission for the 17th Lancer Regiment in commemoration of the Charge of the Light Brigade at the battle of Balaclava on the 25th of October 1854, during the Crimean War. The British troops of the Light Dragoons under General Lord Cardigan (known as the 17th Lancers from 1876 onwards). Totalling 636 men, they were mistakenly given the fatal orders to launch an offensive upon the opposing Russian forces, in defence of the allied sea port of Balaclava. This, now legendary but fatal act of espirit de corps, resulted in six servicemen receiving the Victoria Cross, the highest decoration for gallantry in the face of the enemy awarded to British servicemen.

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE:
Bente Gundestrup, Det kongelige danske Kunstkammer 1737, Nationalmuseet og Bente Gundestrup 1991. A comparative ivory model of a skeleton, housed in a wood architectural case forms part of the collection, illustrated page 448.

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