Waterloo 1815 (John Tinsel, 2nd Batt. Coldstream Gds.) fitted with original steel clip and later ring suspension, professional repair to obverse rim affecting lower part of letters of Christian name, otherwise a pleasing very fine £2,400-£2,800

John Tinsel served in Lieutenant-Colonel James Macdonell’s Company at Waterloo and, more notably, at Hougoumont, where Macdonell held overall command.

Macdonell’s gallant defence of Hougoumont is a matter of history. More than once was the place nearly taken by the French. “The French however,” says Siborne, in his graphic account of the battle of Waterloo, “succeeded in forcing the gate; but the defenders betook themselves to the nearest cover, whence they poured a fire upon the intruders, and then rushing forward a struggle ensued which was distinguished by the most intrepid courage on both sides. At length Lt.-col. Macdonell, Capt. Wyndham, Ensigns Gooch and Hervey, and Sergt. Graham, of the Coldstream Guards, by dint of great personal strength and exertions, combined with extraordinary bravery and perseverance, succeeded in closing the gate against their intruders.” The struggle for possession of Hougoumont went on the whole day until the French retreat set in late in the evening.