Bugle

Used by Trumpet-Major Henry Joy, 17th Light Dragoons (Lancers), Battle of Balaklava, Crimean War (1854-1856). Copper; double loop tube with brass mouthpiece and binding; brass bell binding inscribed with presentation inscription; red, yellow and blue cords with tassels. As Orderly Trumpeter to Lord Lucan at Balaklava on 25 Oct 1854, Joy used this bugle to sound the Charge for the Heavy Brigade, in which he rode. Five years after his death his bugle was sold at auction and achieved the considerable price of 750 guineas, largely because it was believed that it was also used to sound the Charge of the Light Brigade. It was sold again in 1898 and subsequently donated to the Royal United Service Institution.