Lot 1003
Great Britain 1813 Napoleonic Mail pre-stamp cover to England

Important Great Britain, Including the Steve McGill Grand Prix collection of Machins | S26002
Auction: 11 February 2026 10:30 GMT
Description
1813 Napoleonic Mail, concessionary rate entire letter written by Private Thomas Bingham of the the Royal Field Artillery, endorsed ‘’Free'' and countersigned by his commanding officer at lower left, showing ‘PENNY.PD’ handstamp in red at upper right. The letter details a wonderful eyewitness account of the Battle of Vitoria. ‘’We have taken 154 pieces of canon besides ammunition and prisoners without end, I suppose there was 50 thousand lay dead in the field''. The letter also refers to the seizure and subsequent plunder of the Royal Wagon train of Joseph Napoleon which contained all the looted treasures of Spain. Some age-related wear (tones and soiling) still a magnificent account of one of the key and bloodiest engagements of the Peninsula War. Written by a common soldier, especially unusual due to the low literacy rate. Rare and desirable thus.

