Rare Peninsular War 57th West Middlesex “Albuhera” regimental silver serving ladle

Elegant large sterling 57th West Middlesex “Albuhera” regimental silver serving ladle with marks for London, 1802, William Sumner I. This mark was used from 1784 to 1803. The ladle is substantial and of thick gauge, as well as of great historical significance.

Engraved with an inscription commemorating the Battle of Albuhera and the crest for the 57th (or the West Middlesex) Regiment of Foot, 1st Battalion (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) which fought in the Peninsular War of 1808 to 1814. The Peninsular War was significant as being one of the first wars to adopt large-scale guerrilla warfare, as well as one fighting for national liberation on the Spanish part. At the time many regiments raised extra battalions which represented them in the Peninsular War which was fought by the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal against the First French Empire in the Iberian Peninsula. By 1914 this regiment was known as The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex regiment), but nowadays as The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

The battle of Albuera, then known as Albuhera, took place in 1811. The British, Spanish and Portuguese forces were facing Napoleon’s French Army, which had by then struck widespread dread in Europe. Marshal Beresford, commander-in-chief of the allied forces at Albuerha, had arrayed his troops to protect the city, but were nearly out-feinted by the French.

The day was saved due to the bravery of the British and allied troops, who at great cost and loss of life held off the heavy French assault. It was on this day May 16, 1811, that the West Middlesex Regiment coined their glorious moniker “The Die-Hards”. Holding off the main French assault, the 57th, 29th and 48th Regiments held their ground. Colonel William Inglis, severely wounded by grapeshot, exhorted the 57th to “Die hard 57th, die hard”. Brigadier Hoghton, which led the brigade including the 57th, was hit several times, but continued to lead his brigade until shot dead. Colonel Inglis of the 57th, having lost his horse, continued to lead his battalion on foot despite the peril of the battlefield. Severely wounded by grapeshot, he carried on. Four fifths of Hoghton’s brigade would die on this day; the 57th lost 23 officers and 405 soldiers were killed or wounded, making this one of the highest casualties suffered by a British regiment in the 19th century. To this day, May 16th is still commemorated as Middlesex, with a silent toast held to honour those who fell as Albuhera.

This war, one of the bloodiest events in Spanish history, remains significant due to its impact on the countries involved. A significant factor in Napoleon’s downfall and exile to Elba, those who perished to hold off Napoleon’s ambitions in Europe, including the 57th regiment, were commemorated by artists of the Day including Goya, Lady Butler and Stanley Wood.

References:

https://www.britishbattles.com/peninsular-war/battle-of-albuera/

Price marked at $15000 AUD.

Measurements: 195 grams, 34cm length. Ladle bowl measures 10.5cm across.

Some wear to engraving on handle as pictured, otherwise very good antique condition with minor wear overall commensurate with age. Marks crisp and well-struck.