Bearnes Hampton and Littlewood's upcoming auction, Halsdon House: The Collection of Charlie and Shirley Watts, has been featured in the Daily Telegraph.
Photograph of Page 5 of the Daily Telegraph, featuring the story about Bearnes Hampton & Littlewood's auction Halsdon House - the Collection of Charlie and Shirley Watts
The broadsheet picked up the story and have written a piece on Page 5 of today's paper (19th May 2026, issue 53,194), with a focus on the collection of Nelson memorabilia on offer.
This is the photograph the Telegraph saw, which prompted them to reach out for the story.
The letter, dated 1795, is written in a secretarial hand, however the signature is Nelson's own. It is marked "(Copy)", and is probably a copy included in despatches to Admiral Hotham. Written two years before the loss of his right hand made him become left-handed, the signature here is perfectly legible and neat. Surrounding the letter are just a few of the other Nelson-related items on offer at this auction; a John Rose & Co Parian ware bust of the admiral, an early 19th century commemorative silhouette, and some later 20th century figures. The letter carries a pre-auction estimate of £1,500-2,500 (excluding fees).
Other items in the Halsdon House: The Collection of Charlie and Shirley Watts auction include a memento mori brooch, inset with woven hair under a crown and the initial 'N' and inscribed to the border 'England Expects Every Man To Do His Duty. 21st Oct, 1805'. This is together with a 19th century gold mounted memento mori containing woven hair and inscribed 'Emma' to the reverse. The initial 'N' and the inscription suggests that the hair in the brooch is that of Admiral Lord Nelson and it was mounted after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar. The initial is similar to that used on a double sided pendant locket containing both Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton's hair that was sold at Woolley & Wallis, 27th January, 2011, Lot 1423.
Lot 624 - Admiral Lord Nelson & Lady Emma Hamilton. An Early 19th century gold rectangular memento mori brooch
Also on offer is an 1809 biography of Nelson by John McArthur and James Stanier, written using Nelson's own manuscripts and personal accounts. This has a pre-auction estimate of £500-700 (excluding fees).
The Nelson-related memorabilia in this auction are Lots 1-628. This auction also includes; two classic cars; antiquities from Greece, Rome, Egypt, Mesopotamia and more; paintings; ceramics; antiquarian books; furniture; and more.
You can view the full catalogue here, or purchase a limited edition printed catalogue from us.
Halsdon House - The Collection of Charlie and Shirley Watts takes place on Wednesday 20th May, bidding commencing at 9.30am BST.
