Frederick Buck (1771-1839/40) Portrait Miniature of Lieutenant Thomas North (d.1812), watercolour on ivory, converted into a mourning brooch with plaited hair and initials 'TN' in the reverse, 6.5 x 5.3 cm

Thomas North was lieutenant in the 88th Regiment of Foot (Connaught Rangers), an infantry regiment of the British Army. North was present at the siege of Badajoz, where he was mortally wounded during trench duty on the 21st March 1812 and died the following day. The command of the Anglo-Portugese army besieging Badajoz was given to Arthur Wellesley, Earl (late Duke) of Wellington. It was a costly victory for the allied forces who sustained heavy losses with 4,800 soldiers killed or wounded in the fighting, but they were successful in forcing the surrender of the French garrison.

Ivory exemption reference: LT2FEBC6

Condition Report

The ivory sheet appears in generaly good condition, no obvious cracks, splits or losses. The paint surface appears generally well preserved and stable - potential minor fading- but the colours appear still bright. There are some general dirt specks and accretions present and some surface wear to the glazing. On the reverse there are also scuffs and scratches to the glazing but no cracks or major damage - general wear and tear. The plaited hair seems to be in generally good condition

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