The High Court granted an injunction on Friday 30th March just days before Christie’s was due to host a sale of the Raglan Collection.
The owner of the collection is Henry Steengracht van Moyland, a US Citizen, a nephew of the 5th Lord Raglan. However a claim has been filed by another family member halting the sale of over 300 lots. The sale was expected to raise over £750,000.
Lord Fitzroy Somerset, the First Baron Raglan had a long and distinguished career as a British Soldier. He served as a Military Secretary and close aide to Duke of Wellington in the Peninsular War and at Waterloo. Raglan then went on to command troops in the Crimea war including at the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854.
Among the historical items up for sale are a bridle used in the Charge of the Light Brigade, a telescope used by Lord Raglan and medals and awards he received. There is also an Indian gold ring that was given to his wife as a gift by the Duke of Wellington and Marshal Blucher’s hat cockade that was worn by him when he “saved the day at Waterloo” and was given to Lady Raglan.
The Raglan Sale has gained publicity through “Raglan Rescue” a campaign group who are trying to raise awareness about the famous British Soldier’s collection to enable the artefacts to remain in Britain and also to prevent the Raglan family home called Cefntilla Court in Monmouthshire being sold, all are considered to be part of Britain’s cultural heritage.