Duke of Wellington’s Decanters ‘from Battle of Waterloo’ and Cheque ‘To Pay Off Mistress’ Found in Box Locked for 75 Years as Owner Didn’t Have a Key

A decanter box that belonged to the Duke of Wellington and may have been used during the Battle of Waterloo has been uncovered on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow. The old mahogany box was bought by Edgerton Falconer at an auction in the late 19th century but remained locked for 75 years because he did not have a key for it.

It was not until his grandson, David Falconer, inherited the box that the lock was prised open with a screwdriver and a cheque signed by Wellington found inside, along with 10 glass wine and brandy decanters.

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