Napoleonic Wars interest: A large Berlin porcelain twin hand...

Hammer

£3,600

Napoleonic Wars interest: A large Berlin porcelain twin handled urn, c.1816, presented to Sir Henry Hardinge (1785-1856) by the Prussian Prince-General Blücher (1742-1819), finely painted with an oval portrait of Prince Blücher in military uniform wearing his honours within a gilt oak-leaf garland, the reverse with gilt inscription ‘Dem Obersten Hardinge Zun Andenken von Seinem Freunde’ (For the most highly respected Hardinge, in remembrance from his friends), the sides with gilt trophies, 49cm high

More Information

Blücher (1742-1819) was Commander of the Prussian Army in the Napoleonic Wars. He began his career in the Swedish cavalry before joining the Prussian Hussars, soon rising to General Field Marshal. Noted for his bravery rather than his tactical abilities (his nickname was 'Old Forwards') he was defeated on various occasions during the earlier part of Napoleon's campaigns. However, his role was crucial at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. His timely arrival on the battlefield swung the balance in favour of Wellington and the allied forces.

Sir Henry Hardinge (1785-1856), later first Viscount Hardinge of Lahore, was a soldier of great note who had fought extensively against Napoleon in the Peninsular War. In April 1815 he was made Brigadier-General and appointed to Prussian Military Headquarters as British Military Commissioner to Blücher. In this role it is said that it was Hardinge's insistance that the Prussians move with haste to Waterloo, after their defeat the day before, that helped save the battle. Blücher had been reticent in moving his tired troops into another engagement.

In recognition of his services, he was awarded the Prussian Order of Military Merit in 1816 for his part in the campaign. This vase was undoubtedly part of a Prussian state gift to Hardinge made in gratitude.

The urn has been extensively broken and repaired just below one of the gilt trophies to the side curving round across the bulbous base and pedestal foot with a metal plate fixing on the interior. The foot is also cracked and there are some chip losses to the top of the pedestal foot at the join to the base of the body some restoration around the immediate areas of the cracks.