Oliver Cromwell was a significant figure in English history, playing a key role in the English Civil War and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England.
As a result, Cromwell memorabilia is highly sought after by collectors and history enthusiasts.
In this blog post, we take a look at 10 of the most valuable pieces of Oliver Cromwell memorabilia that have been sold at auction.
1. A brass plate from Cromwell's coffin:
In 2014 a London auction house sold a brass plate for £74,500. It had been retrieved from the coffin of Oliver Cromwell when his body was exhumed in 1661.
2. Cromwell's Personal Bible:
A copy of the Bible that once belonged to Cromwell sold at auction in 2015 for £80,000. The Bible was given to Cromwell by his wife, Elizabeth, and features her inscription on the cover.
3. Silver Gilt Cup:
A silver gilt cup, presented to Cromwell by the city of Bristol in recognition of his role in the English Civil War, sold at auction in 2012 for £35,000. The cup is engraved with the city's coat of arms and Cromwell's initials.
4. Cromwell's Iron Chest:
Cromwell's Iron Chest, a heavy iron strongbox used to store important documents and valuables, sold at auction in 2013 for £22,000. The chest is believed to have been used by Cromwell during his time as Lord Protector.
5. Medal of the Battle of Dunbar:
A medal commemorating the Battle of Dunbar, where Cromwell defeated Scottish forces during the English Civil War, sold at auction in 2017 for £17,500. The medal features an image of Cromwell on the front and a Latin inscription on the back.
6. Cromwell's Hat:
A hat believed to have been worn by Cromwell sold at auction in 2009 for £14,000. The hat is a black felt tricorn and is said to have been worn by Cromwell during his time as Lord Protector.
7. Signed Document:
A document signed by Cromwell, appointing Sir William Boteler as Sheriff of Lancashire, sold at auction in 2016 for £13,500. The document is in excellent condition and bears Cromwell's signature and seal.
8. Silver Wine Cup:
A silver wine cup once owned by Cromwell sold at auction in 2014 for £12,500. The cup features an engraved coat of arms and is believed to have been used by Cromwell during his time as Lord Protector.
9. Portrait of Cromwell:
A portrait of Cromwell, painted by an unknown artist, sold at auction in 2019 for £10,000. The portrait is a rare depiction of Cromwell wearing a crown and holding a scepter.
10. Cromwell's Ring:
A gold ring believed to have been worn by Cromwell sold at auction in 2011 for £7,500. The ring features a red stone and is engraved with Cromwell's initials.
The market for Oliver Cromwell memorabilia continues to be strong, with collectors and history enthusiasts eager to own a piece of this important figure's legacy.
From signed documents and his personal Bible to more personal items like his hat and ring, these items offer a glimpse into the life and times of one of England's most significant historical figures.
While some of these items sold for high prices, the historical significance and rarity of these pieces make them valuable additions to any collection
About your Author:
Adrian Roose has over 30 years’ experience covering all aspects of the rare stamp & memorabilia industry during which he has sold over £50m of unique items, helping build collections for Royalty, household name celebrities and 1,000s of collectors around the world.
Adrian was previously a Director at Stanley Gibbons, a Board Member of Stampex, and Executive Director of Paul Fraser Collectibles, PFC Auctions and JustCollecting, prior to founding The Memorabilia Club.