An antique bone apple corer carved for Napoleon's death-----15748 for Sale

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An antique bone apple corer carved for Napoleon's death-----15748 For Sale

An antique bone apple corer carved for Napoleon's death-----15748:
$2950.00

A bone apple corer carved by a British Army Guard engraved on the turned handle JAMESTOWN,, and 5 May 1821 within a wreath on one side and the emblem for the 20th Foot on the other, and with a motto below QUIS CUSTODIET, the blade inscribed Longwood House, Saint Helena Island, May 1821 20th Regt. 6. Piece contained in a modern oak display case with a silvered regimental button of the 20th Foot, 5 3/4in long; 7 3/4in high in the case. HISTORY: This apple corer was very probably crafted by one of Napoleon's guard to commemorate his death whilst in exile on the island of Saint Helena. After Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the British sent him to the island of St. Helena to live out his exile from Europe. The island is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean some 1,200 miles off the coast of Africa, and, at the time, was in the ownership of the East India Company. The inaccessibility of this location was partly chosen in order to avoid any escape attempts, as had been seen early in 1815 with Napoleon's successful escape from the Mediterranean island of Elba. Another precaution taken by the British was a personal military guard to accompany the existing garrison of 3,000 soldiers, along with six ships on constant patrol of the coastal waters, and an array of heavier ships moored off the capital, Jamestown. In 1819, the 20th Regiment of Foot arrived on the island and were assigned as Napoleon's guard at his residence, Longwood House. This item has been inscribed with the emblem of the 20th Foot and is also inscribed 'Longwood House', so we can say with confidence that this would have been crafted by one of his close guard. A further inscription 'quis custodiet' translates as 'who will guard', again making clear reference to the maker's position. Napoleon died at Longwood on the 5th May 1821. This date has been inscribed on the corer followed by the word 'vale', being the Latin for 'farewell'. On the day of his funeral, Napoleon's casket was carried by twelve grenadiers of his house guard.Email any day (see email address above---I normally checkemail several times each day) for any questions you may have.A word about condition. Those of you who havepurchased from me before know that I am very picky about condition. I will try to note anything of significance in the description.However, please check the photos carefully---as they say ‘a pictureis worth a thousand words’ We will arrange shipping for you;our experience with large or small has been excellent and I am careful aboutwho I allow to handle our pieces. Or you are welcome to pickup any piece at our STORE IN PIERCETON, INDIANA. Concerning payment: With 20% as an initial payment you canalso pay out the piece if you like, just email ahead so we can work out termsfor that method. Let me know if you would like additional information aboutany item or our ONLINE CATALOG. If you have any questions, please donot hesitate to contact us.