Battle of Trafalgar compass and signed photo of Queen Elizabeth at auction

Rare historic items from the Battle of Trafalgar and key moments in royal history are going under the hammer in Wiltshire.

In celebration of its first birthday, RWB Auctions in Royal Wootton Bassett is inviting collectors to bid on rare British historical artefacts from some of the most famous names and faces in history.

Among the objects going up for auction is the compass used by Captain Durham at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

The 16-point compass dates back to the early 19th century and is inscribed with the words 'Capt P.C Durham HN HMS Defiance Trafalgar 21st October 1805.'

Captain Durham, known also as Sir Philip Charles Calderwood Henderson Durham, has been hailed by historians as "one of the most successful sea captains" at the Battle of Trafalgar.

The compass used at the Battle of Trafalgar (Image: RWB Auctions) Admiral Nelson is said to have mentioned Durham personally just before going into battle, stating: "Hardy, tell your friend Durham he was the most sensible man of the party to stick to his ship.”

After finishing his career as Admiral, Durham served briefly as the MP for Devizes from 1834 to 1836, and auctioneers estimate his compass will sell for a minimum of £1,500.

Other items in the sale include a signed and framed photo of Queen Elizabeth (later known as the Queen Mother) wearing a sequined ball gown, diamond tiara and jewels.

The photo, which is dated 1939, is signed Elizabeth R and also included a small pencil signature of Cecil Beaton the photographer.

This year marks 120 years since Queen Elizabeth's birth and the photo is estimated to sell for at least £1,000.

Some 16th century embroidery made by Mary Queen of Scots will also go under the hammer in Royal Wootton Bassett.

The embroidery, which depicts flowers and garlands made from yellow silk, was worked on by Mary whilst at Chartley Hall between December 1585 and September 1586.

This is estimated to sell for at least £1,000.

READ MORE: Rare Captain Cook medal fetches £6,500 at Wiltshire auction

Also featuring in the sale is a court page uniform worn at the 1902 coronation of Edward VII by his godson, which is estimated to sell for a minimum of £700, and a snuff box enclosing a portrait miniature of Mary Queen of Scots, believed to be worth £1,000.

All of these rare historical items are being sold by one seller, who wishes to remain anonymous, who purchased the items from a Scottish family.

The sale takes place at 11am on Wednesday, January 29 at 144 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett.

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