A set of waistcoat buttons, each painted on ivory with a tiny bird perched in a tree--5/8in. (1.5cm.), early 19th century

Benjamin Tucker the younger, who, having run away to sea aged 14, joined the navy as a purser. He subsequently became secretary to Lord St Vincent and later to Fox, Pitt and Granville. Tucker was close to royalty, especially the Prince of Wales, becoming Surveyor General of the Duchy of Cornwall. He died in 1829.