Waterloo 1815 (Thomas Phane, 2nd Batt. Coldstream Gds.) fitted with original steel clip and ring suspension, light scratches on obverse, otherwise good very fine £2,000-£2,400

Whitaker Collection 1908; purchased by present vendor from Spink in February 1980.

Thomas Phane (real name Phare) was born in 1794 and died aged 84 in Oakhampton, Devon, in 1877. He was present at Waterloo in Lieutenant-Colonel James MacDonnell’s Company and was most probably a defender of Hougoumont.

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 lasted the whole day until the French retreat set in late in the evening.